How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety or distress when faced with social situations and performance situations. The anxiety or fear 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 feel intense fear and distress that is out of proportion to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few instances, can lead to 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 known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and change negative patterns of thinking. You and your therapist will work together to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. This kind of treatment typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can help your brain accept that the situations may not be as risky as it seems.
It could take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can reduce your anxiety. They can also ease 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 help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used short-term.
Your doctor and you should weigh the risks and benefits of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how serious your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life.
generalized anxiety disorder -help
Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are in social situations however, those feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach before giving 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 limiting that it affects every aspect of life, including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be performed individually with a therapist or in a group and it is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also try to engage in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and boost mood. Another method to help yourself is to spend time with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple to compete with yourself. For example, try to talk to everyone at a party longer than you did last time. It could also be as simple as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school to earn an education in the field you are interested in.
If you haven't had treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your general practitioner. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can offer advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. The use of medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues however, it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of 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 ask you questions about your symptoms and perform an examination to make sure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done alone or with a group of individuals in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 mood and decrease anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be used for some individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are typically only used for short durations or in certain situations, such as before giving a speech.
There are other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, and a class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the best medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking, and discuss any side effects that may occur. It is essential to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if you're feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of Relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. They offer an unprejudiced and safe space where you can talk about your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or online.
Before joining any support group, take note of its structure and membership requirements. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or will be more fluid. You might also want to think about how many members will be present and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
The best way to choose a support group is to seek suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews of various groups and request feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources provided by ADAA and 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.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a frightening experience. The idea of standing in front of people can also be intimidating. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you are worried about going to meetings on your own. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms.
A good support group will aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not the only one, and it will aid you in understanding that negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. It can also help you develop a more positive mindset and build strategies to manage your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support group must be taken with care and should not replace the treatment plan suggested by your healthcare provider.