How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear could be specific or generalized.

Treatment

Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For example, they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in a few instances, can lead to depression or other health problems. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop coping skills to manage your anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed for this type of anxiety disorder of treatment.

In person or online, you can access therapy sessions via a chat. Exposure therapy is a common type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. Through this you can train your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they appear.

There are several types of medication used to treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can reduce your anxiety. They can also help with 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 help alleviate your symptoms. However they should only be taken short-term.

You and your doctor must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing 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 should also consider whether the medication might interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations, but those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving a speech in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety 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 available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life.

Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is another way to help yourself. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations, but it is beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you might not be able to recognize it.

The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to combat social anxiety, particularly for those with a competitive nature. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for instance or trying to speak to everyone at an event more times than you did last time. It could also be as large as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn the degree you want in your area of interest.

Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can offer advice and support. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it can reduce the symptoms.

Medication

Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from 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 ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, they 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) can help you develop new techniques to manage your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a support group. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy, where the healthcare professional assists the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than abstaining from 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 boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take a few weeks for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs for anxiety disorder can decrease anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are therefore only utilized in short-term scenarios or as needed.

There what are the anxiety disorders other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you based on symptoms and other health conditions. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. It is essential to keep following the prescribed dosage, even if you are feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it increases the likelihood of relapse.

Support groups

Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental space where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or on the internet.

Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. 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. You may also want to think about how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll have.

Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best general anxiety disorder medication method to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews about different groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They provide lists of online and community support groups for anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders. The possibility of being in front of a large group of people can feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about going to a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask a friend or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups through a website like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums chat rooms and discussion forums.

A good support group can help you cope with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you understand that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't real or distorted. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution, and should not be a substitute for your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.