How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder.

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically involve distress or fear in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress is insignificant to the risk involved in the situation. The fear can be specific or generalized.

Treatment

Social anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are many treatment options available for this disorder.

Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed for this type of treatment.

Online or in person You can avail talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a common method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can train your brain that the situations aren't as hazardous as they appear.

It can take months or even weeks for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can help you reduce 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 medications such as alprazolam and clonazepam may help relieve your symptoms. However they should only be taken short-term.

When deciding on a medication, you and your physician must evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you're thinking of taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to know how severe your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations However, these emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so limiting that it can affect all aspects of life including home, work, and relationships. There are a variety of self-help methods that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their lives.

Self-help includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists people to understand anxiety and alter the negative thoughts which trigger anxiety. CBT is done in a group or with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People with social anxiety should also participate in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example, can reduce anxiety signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder improve mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety disorder levels However, it is beneficial to surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you may not see it yourself.

It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. This could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance, trying to talk to everyone at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. It could also be as large as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or returning to school to earn a degree in your area of interest.

Talk to your doctor even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can lessen the symptoms.

Medication

Consult your physician in case you are suffering from anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to make sure that there isn't a recurrent medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety, he will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to 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 cause anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, 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 trigger changes in the brain which improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be used for some people with social anxiety disorder. These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They should only be employed in situations that are short-term or as needed.

There are numerous other types of medicines that 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 best treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health issues. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications or supplements. Also discuss any possible adverse reactions. Even if you feel better, it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your risk of an rebound.

Support groups

Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can talk about your issues with others with the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or online.

Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. It is also important to consider how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.

The best method of choosing the right support group is to ask for suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA which is the anxiety disorders definition and Depression Association of America. They provide a list of community and online support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Social anxiety disorder can make meeting strangers a frightening experience. The thought of standing in front of others can also be stressful. If you're nervous about attending a meeting with a stranger, think about asking someone from your family or a friend to join you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups through a website like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums, chat rooms and discussion forums.

A supportive group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you are not alone and aid you in understanding that negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop a positive attitude and abilities to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group must be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.