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 have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by anxiety or distress when confronted with performance or social situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears can either be generalized or specific.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in some instances, can lead to depression or other health problems. 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 behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage your anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you work together to increase your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary to receive this kind of treatment.
Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can train your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they appear.
It can take months or even weeks for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help reduce 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 medication, like alprazolam and clonazepam, can aid in relieving your symptoms. However they should only be taken for short periods of time.
When choosing a medication, you and your doctor must consider the advantages and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements you are using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how serious your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
mixed anxiety depressive disorder -help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes however, those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this disorder, it's more than just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach before making a speech in public or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have a 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. There are a myriad of self-help strategies that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT is done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People who suffer from social anxiety should also participate in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is another self-help technique. This might be hard for someone who is anxious about social situations however it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you may not be able to see it yourself.
The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those who have an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more times than you did the last time. It could also be as large as accepting an offer at work or going back to school for the degree you want in the field you are interested in.
Speak to your general practitioner in the event that you haven't yet sought help for anxiety related to social. They can refer to a mental health professional who can provide assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Medication is not a cure for anxiety in social situations however it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
Talk to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine, or making you avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help 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 emotions that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or as part of an organization that supports you. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, where a health professional assists you in overcoming the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, rather than 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 trigger changes in the brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take some time before the medications begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping decrease anxiety and can be addictive, which is why they are typically only used for brief intervals or in certain situations, such as before giving an address.
There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies you may have. 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 increases the likelihood of suffering a Relapse.
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. They offer a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can talk about your struggles with people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online.
Before joining any support group, take note of the structure and the membership requirements. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or be more fluid. You may be thinking about how many people will be there and how much privacy they'll have.
The best method of choosing a support group is to ask for suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews about different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list for community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for people with social anxiety disorders, and the thought of sitting in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. If you're worried about attending a gathering with a stranger, think about asking someone from your family or a friend to go with you for the first few meetings. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling, discussion forums, and a chat room.
A good support group can help you cope with social anxiety by educating you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't accurate or distorted. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However any advice you receive from a support group should be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.