Then You've Found Your Anxiety Disorder ... Now What? How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear or distress when confronted by performance or social situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears could be specific or generalized.

Treatment

Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual risk. For example they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medication can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn coping skills to manage anxiety and to change your negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.

Online or in person In person or online, you can get access to the benefits of talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a typical type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they may appear.

It can take several weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity of your anxiety. They can also help with your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), can also help to reduce your symptoms, but they should only be used in short-term situations.

When deciding on a medication, you and your physician will have to consider the advantages and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleeping patterns, while others could increase your risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication could interact with any other supplements or drugs you are taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medicines your doctor needs to determine how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes However, these experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant anxiety about being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life including work and relationships as well as home. There are a myriad of self-help strategies that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life.

Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed individually with a therapist or in a group, and is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and boost mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to be around positive people. This might be hard for someone who is anxious about social situations, but it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who love you and see your beauty, even though you may not see it yourself.


Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at an event more times than you did last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn the degree you want in your field of interest.

Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. The use of medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help reduce the symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.

Medication

Talk to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily activities or causing you to avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to make sure that you do not suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new strategies to manage anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that cause it. CBT can be performed by yourself or as part of a support group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps patients confront things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable rather than avoiding or trying to avoid them.

best drug for anxiety disorder , 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 decrease anxiety. It may take a few weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be used for some individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These drugs can decrease anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are therefore only employed in situations that are short-term or when needed.

There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the right medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take and discuss any adverse consequences that could arise. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if you're feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the chance of an relapse.

Support groups

If you're a social anxiety sufferer support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to cope with your condition. They provide an unprejudiced and safe space where you can discuss your struggles with people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or online.

Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and the requirements for membership. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or be more fluid. It is also important to consider how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll have.

The best way to choose a support group is to ask for suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been part of the group. You can also make use of 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 disorders can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of being in front of other people could be overwhelming. If you're nervous about attending a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask an acquaintance or family member to join you for the first few meetings. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms.

A great support group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not the only one and will help you realize that negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. It can also help you develop a more positive attitude and develop techniques to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.