How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are 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 out of proportion to the risk involved in the situation. The fear can be general or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is not proportional to the actual risk, such as being embarrassed or snubbed in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance 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 ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. This type of treatment usually requires 12 to 16 sessions.
Online or in person, you can access the benefits of talking therapies. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. In this way you can show your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
There are a variety of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorder, but they can take weeks or months to get started. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also help relieve your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, like alprazolam and clonazepam can also aid in relieving your symptoms. However they should only be used short-term.
When deciding on a medication, you and your physician will have to weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others may increase the risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication may interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medicines your doctor needs to know how severe 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 experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder s can be so limiting that it can impact all aspects of life, including work, home, and relationships. There are many self-help techniques available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life.
Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done in a private session with a therapist or in a group and is often combined with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also participate in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for example can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is a different self-help method. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it is beneficial if you surround yourself with people who love you and see your beauty, even though you may not recognize it.
It is possible to conquer social anxiety by tackling tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as simple a competition with yourself. For example, try to talk to everyone at a gathering more than you did the previous time. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at a dinner event more than you did the last time.
Talk to your doctor in the event that you haven't yet sought help for social anxiety. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication isn't an effective treatment for anxiety in social situations however it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of anxiety.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, consult your health care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety, they will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new strategies to tackle your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 the brain which improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take a few weeks before the medications begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only used in short-term situations or as needed.
There are numerous other types of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies that you have. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications or supplements. Also, discuss any possible side effects. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it could increase the chance of having a rebound.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and help you cope with your condition. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can discuss your concerns with other people who have the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements prior to joining. For example, some groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more flexible basis. You might also want to consider how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll have.
A therapist or doctor asking for suggestions is the best method to locate an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list for online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders, and the thought of sitting in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A supportive group can help you cope with social anxiety by showing you that you're not the only one and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't real or true at all. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook and build skills to deal with 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.
