How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
generalized anxiety disorder is characterised by anxiety or distress when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a particular situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can be either general or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed out of proportion with the actual risk. For instance, they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatments for this condition.
Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn ways to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can build your confidence to tackle difficult situations. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a typical type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situations may not be as dangerous as they seem.
It could take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also help relieve the symptoms of depression. 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 in short-term doses.
When choosing a medication you and your doctor will have to weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also consider whether the medication might interact with other supplements or drugs you are taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication your doctor will also need to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations however, those emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than just feeling nervous before giving an address in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done in a group or with a counselor, and is typically combined medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is another self-help technique. This can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it is beneficial to surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty, even if you might not be able to be able to 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 with yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more times than you did the last time. It could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party longer than you did last time.
Speak to your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They can refer to a mental healthcare professional who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medication is not the only solution to anxiety-related social issues, but it can help reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily routine, or making you avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination to ensure 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 help you learn new strategies to tackle anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to it. CBT can be performed by yourself or in an organization that supports you. Another type of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause you 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 your brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be used for some people suffering from social anxiety disorder. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are usually only prescribed for short periods of time or on-demand in specific situations, such as 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 medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also discuss any possible adverse reactions. Even if you feel better, it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase the risk 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. They provide a safe and non-judgmental space in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online.
Before joining a support group, consider its structure and membership requirements. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or if it will be more fluid. You may consider how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
The best way to choose a support group is to ask for suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from people who have been part of the group. You can also use resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a frightening experience. The thought of standing in front of people can be a bit overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're concerned about attending on your own. You can also find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A good support group will 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 your negative self-talk are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook and build skills to deal with your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support organization should be taken with care and should not be used to replace the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.