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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The distress or fear in a particular situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears could be general or specific.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual risk like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies for managing anxiety and changing negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to face stressful situations. This type of therapy typically requires 12 to 16 sessions.
Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can train your brain that these situations aren't as risky as they appear.
It can take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help reduce 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 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 must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication before deciding one. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and others can increase the risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medicines your doctor will also need to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a serious form of anxiety that can make you extremely uncomfortable. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior to making a speech in public or being nervous about making new acquaintances; they are also plagued by an unending fear that people will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so severe that it can impact all aspects of life including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there is a variety of self-help techniques that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a private session with a therapist or in a group and it is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also be able to participate in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example can help relieve stress and boost mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to be around positive people. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety however it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with people who love you and see your beauty, even though you might not be able to recognize it.
It is possible to conquer social anxiety by tackling tasks, particularly if are competitive. This could be as simple as battling yourself, for instance or trying to speak to everyone 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 speak to each person at a dinner party more than you did the last time.
Consult your general practitioner in the event that you haven't yet sought help for social anxiety. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can lessen the symptoms.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform an examination to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new techniques to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy in which a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of avoiding or absconding from 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 that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take some time for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are usually only used for brief periods of time or on-demand in specific circumstances, like prior to giving an address.
There are also other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, and the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you based on symptoms and other health conditions. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. It is crucial to continue following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the risk of an Relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide an open and safe environment where you can talk about your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Consider the group's structure and 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. It is also important to consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. You may consider how many people will be there and how much privacy they'll have.
The best method to select a support group is to seek suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews about different groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a directory of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders , and the thought of sitting in front of a crowd of people can be overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms.
A good support group will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not the only one, and it will aid you in understanding that your negative self-talk aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However any advice you receive from a support organization should be treated with caution and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.