How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear is insignificant to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can either be specific or generalized.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is insignificant to the actual risk, such as being embarrassed or humiliated in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in a few instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Talking therapies are available either in person or online. Exposure therapy is a typical method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they appear.
It can take months or even weeks for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They may also help your depressive symptoms. 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 help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used short-term.
When deciding on a medication, you and your physician will have to evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and others can increase the risk of suicide. If you're thinking of using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication, your doctor will need to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a terribly form of anxiety that can make you very uncomfortable. For someone who has this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior giving a speech in public or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have the constant fear that others 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 home, work, and relationships. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People suffering from social anxiety should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can ease stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is another self-help technique. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.
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 easy as competing with yourself, for example trying to talk to everyone at the dinner party more often than you did last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or returning to school to earn the degree you want in your field of interest.
If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your doctor. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication isn't a cure for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help reduce the symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, consult a health care provider. 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 a variety of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new techniques for dealing with anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger it. CBT can be performed by yourself or as part of an organization that supports you. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. where a health professional guides you to face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take a few weeks for the medication to begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. types of anxiety disorders can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only used in short-term situations or on demand.
There are a variety of other kinds of medications that can help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking, and discuss any side effects that could occur. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it increases the likelihood of rebound.
Support groups
If you're a sufferer of social anxiety support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. These groups provide an unprejudiced and safe space in which you can discuss your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. Support groups are available in person or online.
Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its membership requirements. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. It is also important to think about how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll have.
Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best way to locate an appropriate support group. You must also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources provided by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list of community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people with social anxiety disorder, and the thought of sitting in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending alone. There are support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling, discussion forums, and a chat room.
A supportive group can help you cope with your social anxiety by educating you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also 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 be used with care, and should not be used to replace the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.