How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by anxiety or distress when faced with social situations and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is out of proportion to the actual risk of the situation. The fear can be specific or generalized.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations or, in some cases depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to increase your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause you stress. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required for this type of treatment.
In person or online In person or online, you can get access to talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a common form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations which make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they may appear.
It can take several weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce 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 drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used for short-term use.
You and your doctor must consider the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your suicide risk. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with a therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes However, these feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior giving a public speech or getting nervous about meeting new friends; they have an unending fear that people will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and home. There are, however, a variety of self-help techniques that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often combined medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities they like. Exercise, for example can help reduce stress and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is a different self-help method. This might be hard for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it is beneficial if you can surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you might not be able to be able to see it yourself.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on challenges, especially if you are competitive. It could be as simple to compete with yourself. For example, try to talk to every person at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could also be as simple as accepting an offer at work or going back to school to earn an education in the field you are interested in.
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 and medication. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can reduce the symptoms.
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 major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety, they will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new skills for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of it. CBT can be performed by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps a patient face things that create anxiety and discomfort rather than avoid or 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 can cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication begins working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to decrease anxiety and can be addictive, which is why they are usually only used for short durations or in certain circumstances, like prior to giving speech.
There are numerous other types of drugs that can be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible side effects. It is important to keep taking your medication according to the prescription even if you're feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it could increase the chance of suffering a Relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide an open and safe environment where you can talk about your struggles with people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Be aware of the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, and others are self-help groups 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 consider how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.
The best way to choose the right support group is to seek recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews of various groups and request feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also use resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of community and online support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being 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 concerned about attending alone. You can find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms.
anxiety anxiety disorders can help you deal with social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you understand that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop more positive outlook 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 recommended treatment plan of your doctor.