How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically involve distress or fear in most social and performance situations. The distress or fear is insignificant to the actual risk in the situation. The fears could be specific or generalized.

Treatment

Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxiety and fear beyond the actual danger. For instance, they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations, and in some cases depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This kind of treatment typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.

Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as risky as they appear.

There are a variety of medications that treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of 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 medication, like alprazolam and clonazepam may aid in relieving your symptoms. However they should only be used in short-term doses.

When choosing a medication, you and your physician will need to consider the advantages and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others may increase your suicide risk. Consider the possibility of using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how serious your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations however, those emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving a speech in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's a constant fear of being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorders medicine disorders can be so debilitating that it can affect every aspect of life, including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.

Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT is done in a group or with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. People suffering from social anxiety should also be able to participate in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example can ease anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to spend time with positive people. It can be challenging for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.

Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as battling yourself, for example, trying to talk to everyone at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. It could also be as big as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school to earn an education in your area of interest.

If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking to your physician. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide guidance and assistance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Medication does not cure social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.

Medication

If you experience anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily routine, or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult a health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in an organization that supports you. Another type of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, rather than 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 trigger changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take some time for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety disorder might also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are typically only prescribed for short periods of time or on-demand in specific situations, such as before giving speech.

There are other medicines that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. Even even if you feel better it is important to follow the medication as prescribed. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the risk of having a Relapse.

Support groups

If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to cope with your condition. They provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your feelings 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. best med for social anxiety disorder instance, some support groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. You may consider the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll have.

The best med for generalized anxiety disorder way to choose a support group is to request recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have been part of the group. You can also use the resources provided by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers a frightening experience. The idea of standing in front of people can also be stressful. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending on your own. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms.

A supportive group can assist you in dealing with social anxiety by educating you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't accurate or true at all. It can also help you develop more positive outlook and build techniques to manage your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support group should be taken with care and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.