How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have
social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by distress or fear when faced with social situations and performance situations. The fear or distress is not proportional to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can be either specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For instance they might be scared of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop coping skills to manage
anxiety Disorders facts and to change your negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. This kind of treatment typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.
In person or online You can avail talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a popular form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that these situations might not be as risky as they seem.
It could take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They may also help with your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications like alprazolam and clonazepam can also help relieve your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term.
When choosing a medication, you and your physician will have to consider the advantages and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase your suicide risk. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or psychologist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medication may interact with other supplements or drugs you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to know how severe your social phobia is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort in social situations sometimes However, these feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing fear of being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be such a debilitating condition that it can affect all aspects of life, including work and relationships as well as home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT is done in a group or with a psychotherapist, and is usually mixed with other medications. Social anxiety sufferers should also participate in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another self-help technique. This can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it can be beneficial to surround yourself with those who love you and see your beauty, even if you might not be able to see it yourself.
In addition, taking on challenges can be a way to overcome social anxiety, especially for those with a competitive nature. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For example try to speak to every person at a party more than you did the last time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for instance trying to speak to everyone at a dinner party more than you did the last time.
Consult your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for anxiety related to social. They can refer you to a mental healthcare professional who can provide advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that affects your daily routine, 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 there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many types of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of it. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a medical professional assists you in overcoming the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort, rather than 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 trigger changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take some time before the medications begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorder might also benefit from benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping decrease anxiety and can be habit-forming, so they are typically only used for short intervals or in specific situations, like before giving an address.
There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants and a class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health conditions. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. It is crucial to continue taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your risk of having a Relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Before joining a support group, consider its structure and the membership requirements. For instance, some groups are run by mental health professionals and others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. You may want to think about the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
The best way to choose a support group is to ask for suggestions from your doctor or therapist.