How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorders usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear beyond the actual risk. For example they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn coping skills to manage your anxiety and alter negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment.
In person or online You can avail talking therapies. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that these situations might not be as dangerous as they appear.
It could take weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also help relieve your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, like alprazolam and clonazepam can also aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be used in short-term doses.
When choosing a medication, you and your physician will need to weigh the benefits and risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with a therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication could interact with any other medications or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medications your doctor will also need to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a serious type of anxiety that can be extremely uncomfortable. This disorder is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life, including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done in a private session with a therapist or in a group and it is often combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also try to engage in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for instance can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. severe anxiety disorder -help technique is to spend time with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at the dinner party more often than you did last time. Or, it could be as big as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for the degree you want in your field of interest.
If you haven't had treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your doctor. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety in social situations however, it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct an examination to make sure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many types of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new strategies for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of it. CBT can be performed on your own or in the form of a group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy in which a healthcare professional helps patients confront things that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of abstaining from or absconding from 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 boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It may take a few weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be used for some people suffering from social anxiety disorders. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety, and they can also be habit-forming, and are usually only used for brief durations or in specific situations, like before giving speech.
There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants and a class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate treatment for you depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. Even if you feel better, it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your chances of having a Relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, you should consider its structure and the requirements for membership. For example, 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 meet regularly or will be more fluid. You may want to think about the number of people there and how much privacy they'll have.
The best way to choose the right support group is to request suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews about various groups and request 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 have a directory of community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about attending a gathering by yourself, you might want to ask an acquaintance or family member to accompany you for the first few meetings. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms.
A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not alone and will aid you in understanding that your negative self-talk aren't real or true. It can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop strategies to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you receive from a support group must be treated with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.