How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of social https://articlescad.com/10-things-people-hate-about-high-functioning-anxiety-disorder-157644.html typically include fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual risk. For example they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this disorder.
Medications and psychotherapy can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment.
Therapy for talking is available in person or online. Exposure therapy is a common form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way you can train your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they appear.
It could take several weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also help with the symptoms of depression. 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) can also help to reduce your symptoms, but they should only be used in short-term situations.
You and your doctor must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication prior to deciding one. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and others can increase the risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication may interact with other supplements or drugs you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication, your doctor will need to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times however, those emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed individually with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example can ease stress and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another way to help yourself. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to combat social anxiety, especially for those who have a competitive nature. 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 be as simple as competing against yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more than you did last time.
If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking to your doctor. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can offer guidance and assistance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, consult a health care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform an examination to make sure that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that 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 help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new techniques to manage anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a support group. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy where medical professionals help 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 cause changes in the brain which improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take a few weeks before the medications begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could be prescribed for individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are therefore only used in short-term situations or on demand.
There are numerous other types of medications 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 choose the best medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take, and discuss any side effects that could occur. It is important to continue following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it increases the likelihood of having a Relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum in which you can discuss your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and the requirements for membership. For instance, some support groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or will be more fluid. You might consider the number of people who will be there and how much privacy they'll enjoy.
Asking your therapist or doctor for recommendations is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews of different groups and get feedback from those who have participated in 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 throughout the United States, Canada and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The idea of standing in front of people can also be overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A great support group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not alone, and it will aid you in understanding that negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxiety. However any advice you receive from a support group should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan suggested by your healthcare provider.