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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear or distress when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The distress or fear in a situation is not out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is out of proportion to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations, and in some instances, may lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required to receive this kind of treatment.
Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a typical type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear.
It could take months or even weeks for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your 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 drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but should only be used for short-term use.
Your doctor and you should consider the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase your suicide risk. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your counselor and you can discuss whether the medication may interfere with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications your doctor needs to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a terribly form of anxiety that can be extremely uncomfortable. If you suffer from this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior giving a public speech or feeling anxious about meeting new people; they also have an unending fear that people might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it affects all aspects of life including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there is many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT is done in a group or individually with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People who suffer from social anxiety should also participate in activities that they like. Exercise, for example can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.
It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For example try to speak to every person at a party longer than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for example trying to speak to everyone at a dinner party longer than you did last time.
If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your doctor. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it does help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
Consult your physician in case you are suffering from anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to make sure that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new strategies to tackle your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be done alone or with a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy, where the healthcare professional assists a patient face things that create anxiety and discomfort rather than avoiding or 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 cause changes in the brain which improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are therefore only used in short-term situations or as needed.
There are other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants and the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take and discuss any possible side effects that may occur. Even if you feel better, it is crucial to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of having a rebound.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental space in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or online.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups without professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or be more fluid.
generalized anxiety disorder symptoms is also important to consider how many people will be present and how much privacy you'll have.
The best method to select the right support group is to seek recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide a list of online and community support groups for anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders, and the possibility of being in front of a crowd of people can be overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you are worried about going to meetings on your own. You can also find support groups through websites like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums and chat rooms.
A good support group will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not alone, and it will assist you in recognizing that negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group should be taken with care and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.