How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are nervous 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 distress or fear when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear could be generalized or specific.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem.
Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop ways to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to handle stressful situations. In general 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary to receive this kind of treatment.
In person or online, you can access the benefits of talking therapies. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they may appear.
There are a variety of medication used to treat social anxiety disorder However, they can take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also help relieve the symptoms of depression. 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) are also able to help in reducing your symptoms, but should only be used for short-term use.
When choosing a medication, you and your physician will need to weigh the benefits and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and others can increase the risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication may interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications, your doctor will need to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a serious type of anxiety that can be extremely uncomfortable. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so severe that it can impact all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. There are, however, various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done in a group or with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also participate in activities they like. Exercise, for instance, can relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is another way to help yourself. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to be around positive people.
The act of taking on challenges is a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple to compete with yourself. For example try to talk to every person at a party more than you did last time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party more than you did last time.
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 provide assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication isn't an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, consult your health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new techniques to manage anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy, where medical professionals help patients confront things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable instead of 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 trigger changes in your brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take some time for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorder might also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are therefore only utilized in short-term scenarios or when needed.
There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate medication for you, in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking and discuss any possible side effects that may occur. Even even if you feel better it is important to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly increases the likelihood of rebound.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your fears and help you cope with your condition. They provide a safe and non-judgmental space in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. You can find support groups in person or on the internet.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. For instance, some support groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or will operate more fluidly. You may want to think about the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
The best method to select a support group is to request suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide an extensive list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the possibility of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you are worried about attending on your own. You can find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms.
A good support group will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not the only one and will aid you in understanding that your negative self-talk are not true or distorted. It can also help develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group should be used with caution and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.