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 anxiety or stress in a particular situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be general or specific.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is out of proportion to the actual danger like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations or, in some cases depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Online or in person, you can access therapy sessions via a chat. Exposure therapy is a common method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which make you uncomfortable. You can help your brain accept that these situations might not be as dangerous as they seem.
It could take weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help reduce anxiety. They can also help relieve 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 may help alleviate your symptoms. However, they should only be used for short periods of time.
When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor will need to evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medicines your doctor will also need to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations However, these feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's a constant anxiety about being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety can be so severe that it can affect every aspect of life, including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a psychotherapist, and is usually mixed with other medications. People who suffer from social anxiety should also engage in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can ease anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to spend time with positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with those who love you and see your beauty, even if you may not be able to see it yourself.
The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at an event more times than you did the last time. It could also be as large as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or going back to school for the degree you want in your area of interest.
If you haven't yet sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your general practitioner. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer you assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety, but it can lessen the symptoms.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to make sure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new strategies to manage anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of it. CBT can be done alone or in a group of people in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable, rather than trying to avoid 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 can cause changes in the brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication begins working. Some people with social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping decrease anxiety and can be addictive, which is why they are typically only used for brief periods of time or on-demand in certain situations, like before giving an address.
There are many other types of medications that can help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication or supplements. Also, discuss any possible side effects. It is essential to continue following the prescribed dosage, even if you are feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the chance of having a rebound.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and help you cope with your condition. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment in which you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Consider the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some support groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more fluid basis. social anxiety disorder treatment might be thinking about how many people will be there and how much privacy they'll enjoy.
The best method of choosing a support group is to request suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been part of the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Social anxiety disorder can make meeting strangers a frightening experience. The idea of standing in front of other people can also be stressful. If you're nervous about going to a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask an acquaintance or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as a chat room.
A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you understand that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't true or true at all. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the abilities to manage your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution, and should not be used to replace the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.