How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears could be general or specific.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual danger, such as being shamed or humiliated in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations, and in some cases, can develop into depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage anxiety and to change your negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed to receive this kind of treatment.
Online or in person, you can access therapy sessions via a chat. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that these situations might not be as dangerous as they appear.
It can take several weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help reduce anxiety. They may also help with your depressive symptoms. 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), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but should only be used short-term.
When choosing a medication you and your physician must evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each option. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your suicide risk. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also discuss whether the medication could interact with any other supplements or drugs you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how serious your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are in social situations, but those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing fear of being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so limiting that it can impact all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there is a variety of self-help techniques which can help people suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help is a form of therapy that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be performed by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group and is often combined with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. disorders anxiety , for instance can ease stress and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to surround yourself with positive people. This can be difficult for someone with social anxiety, but it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who love you and see your beauty, even though you might not be able to see it yourself.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by tackling the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more times than you did last time. It could also be as simple as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or going back to school for an education in the field you are interested in.
If you haven't yet sought treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your doctor. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medication is not a cure for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of anxiety.
Medication
Consult your physician when you're experiencing anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and will conduct an examination to make sure that you do not have a medical issue that is separate from your. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he will 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), which teaches you new skills for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that cause it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or as part of an organization that supports you. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional assists you in overcoming the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable 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 boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take some time for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be used for some individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. These drugs can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only employed in situations that are short-term or as needed.
There are many other types of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking and discuss any adverse effects that may occur. It is crucial to keep following the prescribed dosage even if you're feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the chance of having a relapse.
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 issues with others who have the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. Support groups can be found in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, consider the structure of the group and its the requirements for membership. For instance, some groups are supervised by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or be more fluid. You might consider how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best way to find
