So You've Bought Anxiety Disorder ... Now What?
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is defined by fear or distress when faced with performance or social situations. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the actual risk of the situation. The fears can either be specific or generalized.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is out of proportion to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few cases, can develop into depression or other health problems. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn ways to manage anxiety and to change your negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can build your confidence to face difficult situations. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. Exposure therapy is a common method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. In this way you can train your brain that these situations aren't as risky as they appear.
There are several types of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorder however, they may take weeks or months to get started. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can reduce your anxiety. They may also help the symptoms of depression. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, like alprazolam and clonazepam can also help relieve your symptoms. However, they should only be taken for short periods of time.
When choosing a medication you and your physician will have to consider the advantages and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements you are using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how serious your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times However, these feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's not only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a speech in public or being nervous about making new friends; they have an unending fear that people will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating that it affects all aspects of life, including work and relationships as well as home. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT is done in a group or individually with a psychotherapist, and is usually mixed with other medications. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can help relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with people who are positive is a different self-help method. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety however it can be beneficial to surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty, even though you might not be able to be able to see it yourself.
The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance or trying to speak to each person at an event more times 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 field of interest.
If you haven't had treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your doctor. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
Talk to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to ensure that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, they 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), which teaches you new strategies to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or as part of a support group. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy in which the healthcare professional assists patients confront things that create anxiety and discomfort rather than avoid 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 trigger changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It can take some time before the medications begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorder might benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are therefore only employed in situations that are short-term or on demand.
There are numerous other types of drugs that can be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take, and discuss any side effects that may occur. It is essential to continue following the prescribed dosage, even if you are feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase your risk of a rebound.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They offer a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can discuss your struggles with people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. You can find support groups in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, consider the structure and the membership requirements. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. anxiety disorders symptoms should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or if it will be more fluid. You might be thinking about the number of people there and how much privacy they'll enjoy.
Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to find a support group. You should also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have been part of the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list of online and community support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of standing in front of people could be intimidating. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're concerned about attending alone. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as a chat room.
A good support group can help you deal with social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't accurate or accurate. It can also help you develop more positive mindset and build techniques to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution, and should not replace the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.