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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is defined by anxiety or distress when faced with situations in which people are performing or social. The anxiety or fear is insignificant to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can be either general or specific.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is not proportional to the actual risk like being shamed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available to treat this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medications can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to increase your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause you stress. This kind of treatment typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.
Online or in person You can avail therapy sessions via a chat. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they seem.
It can take weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help reduce anxiety. They can also ease your depressive 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 (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but they should only be used for short-term use.
When deciding on a medication, you and your physician must weigh the benefits and risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or psychologist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication could interact with any other medications or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medication your doctor needs to determine 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 who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant anxiety about being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so limiting that it can impact all aspects of life, including home, work and relationships. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT is done in a group or individually with a counselor, and is typically mixed with other medications. Social anxiety sufferers should also consider engaging in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for example, can relieve stress and boost mood. Another self-help technique is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by tackling challenges, especially if you are competitive. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance or trying to speak to each person at a dinner party more times than you did the last time. It could also be as big as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or going back to school to earn an education in your field of interest.
If you haven't yet sought treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your doctor. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it can reduce the symptoms.
Medication
Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you are suffering from social anxiety, they will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done alone or with a group of individuals in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy, where a healthcare professional helps patients confront things 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 can cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder might also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only employed in situations that are short-term or as needed.
There are many other types of medicines that help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies that you have. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take and discuss any adverse effects that may occur. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the chance of a relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or online.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or operate more fluidly. You might want to think about the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
The best method to select a support group is to ask for recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also make use of the resources provided by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list for online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders . The idea of being in front of a large group of people can be overwhelming. If you're nervous about going to a meeting alone, consider asking an acquaintance or family member to accompany you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums.
A good support group can help you deal with social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you receive from a support group must be taken with care and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.