How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

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

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a particular situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be general or specific.

Treatment

Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel fear and distress in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For example they might be scared of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in some cases, can develop into depression or other health problems. There are a variety of treatments available for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. Together, you and your therapist can build your confidence to handle stressful situations. In general 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required for this type of treatment.

Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way you can train your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.

It could take months or even weeks for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) can also help in reducing your symptoms but 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. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. Consider taking an antidepressant with a counselor or psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes however, those feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. If you suffer from this condition, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a public speech or being nervous about making new people; they also have an unending fear that people will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and home. There are, however, many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.

Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically combined medication. People with social anxiety should also engage in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example can ease anxiety and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to be around positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations however it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with those who love you and see your beauty, even if you may not be able to see it yourself.

In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at an event more times than you did the last time. It could be as simple as competing against yourself, for example, trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party longer than you did last time.

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

Medication

If you what are anxiety disorders/depression experiencing anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily life or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to a health care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to ensure that you do not have a medical issue that is separate from your. If your doctor suspects you are suffering from social anxiety, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new strategies to tackle your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT Can Anxiety Disorder Cause Nausea be done alone or with a group of individuals in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a medical professional assists you in overcoming the things that cause anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs can decrease anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They should only be used in short-term situations or as needed.

There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies that you have. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any possible adverse effects. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication can increase your chances of rebound.

Support groups

If you're a sufferer of social anxiety support groups can help you overcome your fears and help you cope with your condition. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online.

Before joining any support group, take note of the structure and the requirements for membership. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more fluid basis. You may be thinking about the number of people who will be there and how much privacy they'll enjoy.

Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best way to find an organization that can help you. You should also read reviews about different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA which is the hyper anxiety disorder and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.

Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers an intimidating experience. The idea of standing in front of people can be a bit intimidating. If you're worried about attending a gathering alone, consider asking an acquaintance or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.

A good support group will aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will show you that you are not alone and will help you realize that negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with caution, and should not be used to replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.