How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorders usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear in a particular situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can either be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel fear and distress out of proportion with the actual danger. For instance, they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations and, in a few instances, may lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available to treat this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed for this type of treatment.
Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
There are a variety of medications that treat social anxiety disorder, but they can take weeks or months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also help with your depression symptoms. generalized anxiety disorder -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 may help relieve your symptoms. However they should only be used for short periods of time.
Your doctor and you should consider the risks and benefits of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase the risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication may interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to know how severe your social phobia is, and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes, but those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a public speech or getting nervous about meeting new acquaintances; they are also plagued by an unending fear that people might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it affects all aspects of life, including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done in a group setting or with a psychotherapist, and is usually combined medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also participate in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. It can be challenging for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by tackling tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as easy as an exercise in competition with yourself. For example try to speak to every person at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at a dinner event more than you did last time.
If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your doctor. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can provide advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not a cure for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of anxiety.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to a health care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination to ensure 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 types of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new skills to deal with anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in an organization that supports you. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than abstaining from 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 your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medications begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety, and they can also be habit-forming, so they are typically only used for short periods of time or on-demand in specific circumstances, like prior to giving speech.
There are a variety of other kinds of drugs that can be used to be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication for you, in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. 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 offer an unprejudiced and safe space where you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Consider the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups without professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You may want to think about the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll have.
Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. The thought of sitting in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about going to meetings on your own. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A great support group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not alone and aid you in understanding that your negative self-talk aren't real or true. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook and build techniques to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with care, and should not replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.