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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is defined by anxiety or distress when faced with performance or social situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is out of proportion to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. This type of therapy typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. Exposure therapy is a typical type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations which make you uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear.
generalized anxiety disorder can take several weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also ease the symptoms of depression. 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 aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term.
Your doctor and you must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication before choosing one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleeping patterns, while others could increase your suicide risk. If you're thinking of using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to know how severe your social phobia is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a serious type of anxiety that can make you extremely uncomfortable. For someone who has this disorder, it's more than just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach before giving a public speech or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have an unending fear that people will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety can be so debilitating that it can affect every aspect of life, including work, home, and relationships. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done in a private session with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. People suffering from social anxiety should also consider engaging in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example, can relieve anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is another self-help technique. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety However, it is beneficial if you surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you might not be able to recognize it.
The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to combat social anxiety, especially for those with a competitive nature. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for example trying to speak to each person at a dinner event more than you did the last time.
Talk to your doctor if you haven't sought help for social anxiety. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide assistance and guidance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety, but it can help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that affects your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult a health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to make sure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you are suffering from social anxiety, he'll refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new skills to deal with your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be conducted on your own or in the form of a group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues 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 improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take some time for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are usually only prescribed for short intervals or in specific situations, like before giving a speech.
There are many other types of medicines that treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the best medication for you, based on symptoms and other health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking and discuss any adverse consequences that could arise. Even even if you feel better it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of rebound.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to cope with your condition. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can discuss your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, consider the structure of the group and its membership requirements. For instance, some groups are run by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or will be more fluid. You may also want to consider how many people will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.
The best method to select a support group is to ask for suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The idea of standing in front of people can also be overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're concerned about attending on your own. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A supportive group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will teach you that you are not alone, and it will assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group must be used with caution and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.