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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by distress or fear when confronted by performance or social situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears could be general or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel fear and distress beyond the actual risk. For instance 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. Luckily, there are many treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
In person or online In person or online, you can get access to the benefits of talking therapies. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they appear.
It can take several weeks or even months for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can reduce your anxiety. They can 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 help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used for short-term use.
When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor will need to evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medicines your doctor will also need to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations, but those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a speech in public or getting nervous about meeting new friends; they have the constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. There are many self-help techniques available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT is done in a group or with a psychotherapist, and is usually combined medication. People with social anxiety should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for example can ease anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is another way to help yourself. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.
In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example, trying to talk to everyone at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. It could also be as large as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or going back to school to earn a degree in the field you are interested in.
Consult your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for social anxiety. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can offer guidance and assistance. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
Talk to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to it. CBT can be conducted on your own or in the form of a group. Another type of psychotherapy is called 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 trigger changes in the brain which improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medication begins working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only utilized in short-term scenarios or when needed.
There are other medicines that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, and a class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you based on symptoms and other health issues. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications or supplements. Also discuss any possible adverse effects. Even if you feel better, it is important to take your medication as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of having a Relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and help you cope with your condition. best medicine for anxiety disorder offer a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can talk about your issues with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some support groups are run by mental health professionals and others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or operate more fluidly. You may also want to consider how many people will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best method to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered 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.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers a frightening experience. The thought of standing in front of others can be a bit intimidating. If you're worried about attending a gathering alone, consider asking an acquaintance or family member to accompany you for the first few meetings. There are support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms.
A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't accurate or true at all. It can also help develop positive attitudes and abilities to manage your social anxieties. However any advice you receive from a support organization should be taken with care and should not be used to replace the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.
