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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress is out of proportion to the risk involved in the situation. The fears can either be generalized or specific.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is out of proportion to the actual danger like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, can develop into depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and change negative patterns of thinking. Together, you and your therapist can help you build confidence to tackle stressful situations. This kind of treatment typically requires 12 to 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. Exposure therapy is a common type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations that make you uncomfortable. Through this, you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they may appear.
It can take weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity of your anxiety. They can also help relieve your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to be helpful in relieving your symptoms but should only be used for short-term use.
When choosing a medication you and your physician will need to evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each choice. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication might interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort in social situations at times, but those emotions are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life, including work or relationships, as well as at home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT is done in a group or with a therapist, and is often combined medication. People suffering from social anxiety should also consider engaging in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example can help reduce stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. This may be difficult for someone with social anxiety However, it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with those who love you and see your beauty, even though you might not be able to be able to see it yourself.
In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to combat social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For example try to speak to every person at a gathering more than you did the previous time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for instance trying to speak to each person at a dinner party longer than you did last time.
Talk to your doctor if you haven't sought help for anxiety related to social. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety, but it does reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and fear that affects your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult a health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform 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 an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that cause anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy in which a healthcare professional helps patients confront things that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of avoid 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 can cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take some time for the medications to start working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are therefore only employed in situations that are short-term or as needed.
There are other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking and discuss any possible side effects that may occur. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to take your medication as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it could increase the chance of Relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. These groups provide an open and safe environment where you can talk about your issues with others with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups can be found in person or on the internet.
Consider the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or will be more fluid. It is also important to consider how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.
Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best method to locate an organization that can help you. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have lists 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 those suffering from social anxiety disorders . The possibility of being in front of a crowd of people can feel overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you are worried about attending alone. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A supportive group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you are not alone and aid you in understanding that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can help you develop a more positive mindset and build techniques to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution and should not replace the treatment recommendations of your healthcare provider. plan.