How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by distress or fear when confronted with situations in which people are performing or social. The anxiety or stress in a particular situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxiety and fear in a way that is not proportional to the actual danger. For example, they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available to treat this condition.
Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping techniques for managing anxiety and changing negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can increase your confidence to face difficult situations. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment.
In person or online, you can access the benefits of talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a typical form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. In this way you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear.
There are several types of medication used to treat social anxiety disorder However, they can take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also ease your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam and clonazepam, can help alleviate your symptoms. However, they should only be taken for short periods of time.
When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor will have to consider the advantages and risks of each option. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a terribly type of anxiety that is extremely uncomfortable. This condition is more than simply feeling anxious before giving a speech in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's the constant anxiety about being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so severe that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. There are a myriad of self-help strategies that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT is done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often combined medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also consider engaging in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as simple a competition with yourself. For example try to speak to every person at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did last time.
Speak to your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can give you advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not the only solution to social anxiety however it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and fear that affects your daily routine, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, speak to a health care provider. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from social anxiety, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger it. CBT can be performed by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy in which the healthcare professional assists the patient confront issues that create anxiety and discomfort instead of avoid or avoiding them.
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also help with the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. These antidepressants signal changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It could take some time for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are therefore only employed in situations that are short-term or as needed.
There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants and a class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the appropriate medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take, and discuss any side effects that may occur. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication increases the likelihood of relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining any support group, take note of the structure and the requirements for membership. For instance, some groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or be more fluid. You may want to think about the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll have.
Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to find an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They provide a list of community and online support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders , and the thought of sitting in front of a large group of people can feel overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A great support group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not alone and help you realize that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop a positive attitude and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support organization should be taken with care and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your healthcare provider.