How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorders typically involve distress or fear in a majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a particular situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can be either specific or generalized.
generalized anxiety disorder gad suffering from social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual risk like being embarrassed or snubbed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some cases, can develop into depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping skills for managing anxiety and changing negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can build your confidence to handle difficult situations. This type of treatment usually requires 12 to 16 sessions.
Therapy for talking is available in person or online. Exposure therapy is a popular form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
It can take several weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the severity 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 and clonazepam can also aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term.
You and your doctor must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication prior to deciding one. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements that you are using, such as herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medication your doctor needs to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes However, these emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety can be so debilitating that it can affect all aspects of life including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there is various self-help methods that can help those suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically combined with 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 improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to spend time with positive people. It can be challenging for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people.
In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to combat social anxiety, especially for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as simple as to compete with yourself. For example, try to talk to everyone at a party longer than you did the previous time. Or, it could be as simple as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or returning to school to earn the degree you want in the field you are interested in.
If you haven't yet sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations begin by speaking to your general practitioner. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication isn't a cure for anxiety in social situations, but it can help alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct an examination to confirm that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new skills for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or as part of a support group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where the healthcare professional assists patients confront things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable rather than 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only used in short-term situations or on demand.
There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies you suffer from. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also discuss any potential adverse effects. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if you're feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of having a rebound.
Support groups
If you're a sufferer of social anxiety support groups can help you overcome your fears and help you cope with your condition. These groups provide an unprejudiced and safe space in which you can discuss your concerns with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure of the group and its the membership requirements. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or be more fluid. You may want to think about the number of people there and how much privacy they'll have.
A therapist or doctor asking for recommendations is the best way to locate a support group. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have lists of community and online support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the thought of sitting in front of a crowd of people can feel overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're concerned about attending alone. You can also find support groups via a website like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms and discussion forums.
A great support group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not the only one and help you realize that your negative self-talk aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and abilities to manage your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support organization should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your healthcare provider.