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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorders typically involve distress or fear in the majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear is not proportional to the actual risk in the situation. I Am Psychiatry could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual risk. For example they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are many treatment options available to treat this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn coping skills to manage anxiety and to change your negative patterns of thinking. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause you stress. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed to receive this kind of treatment.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that the situation might not be as risky as they seem.
It could take several weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also ease 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), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but they should only be used for short-term use.
Your doctor and you should weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the risk of suicide. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication your doctor will also need to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times, but those experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this condition, it's not just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach before giving a speech in public or being nervous about making new acquaintances; they are also plagued by a constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is such a debilitating condition that it can affect all aspects of life, including work and relationships as well as home. There are, however, various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people to understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done individually with a therapist or in a group, and is often paired with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also try to engage in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is another self-help technique. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety however it is beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you may not be able to see it yourself.
The act of taking on challenges is a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example or trying to speak to each person at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or returning to school to earn the degree you want in your field of interest.
Talk to your doctor even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you guidance and assistance. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not a cure for anxiety in social situations, but it can help reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily routine, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to a health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new skills to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger it. CBT can be done alone or with a group of individuals in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable, rather than 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorders may also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They should only be employed in situations that are short-term or when needed.
There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and a class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the appropriate medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your risk of a relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Consider the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. For example, some groups are run by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. You might want to think about the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
The best method of choosing the right support group is to request recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews of different groups and get feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also consult the resources offered by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide an extensive list of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people with social anxiety disorders. The possibility of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. If you're concerned about attending a meeting alone, consider asking a friend or family member to join you for the first few meetings. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A supportive group can assist you in dealing with social anxiety by showing you that you're not the only one and helping you understand that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't real or distorted. It can also help you develop a more positive attitude and develop 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 treatment recommendations of your healthcare provider. plan.
