So You've Bought Anxiety Disorder ... Now What?
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorders usually involve fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be generalized or specific. Treatment People suffering from social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is insignificant to the actual risk like being embarrassed or snubbed 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 treatment options for this condition. Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies for managing anxiety and changing negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary to receive this kind of treatment. In person or online In person or online, you can get access to the benefits of talking therapies. One common therapy is called 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 dangerous as they appear. There are many types of medications that treat social anxiety disorder However, they can take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They may also help the symptoms of depression. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help in reducing your symptoms, but should only be used short-term. Your doctor and you must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your suicide risk. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements that you are using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how severe your social phobia is, and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are in social situations However, these emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior making a speech in public or being nervous about making new friends; they have the constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so limiting that it can impact all aspects of life, including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life. Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed in a private session with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example, can reduce 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. It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as simple as to compete with yourself. For example try to speak to everyone at a party more than you did the previous 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 area of interest. If you haven't sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations begin by speaking to your physician. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues however it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety. Medication Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that you do not have a medical issue that is separate from your. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety, they will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new techniques to manage your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can either be done by yourself or in the form of a group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy in which medical professionals help the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than avoiding or 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 your brain that improve mood and reduce anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be used for some people suffering from social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only utilized in short-term scenarios or on demand. There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you're taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the risk of an rebound. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide an open and safe environment where you can discuss your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or on the internet. Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some support groups are run by mental health professionals while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more fluid basis. It is also important to think about how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy. The best method to select a support group is to seek suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also make use of the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have an extensive list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorder s. The possibility of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. If you're nervous about attending a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask a friend or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups through websites like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums, chat rooms, and discussion forums. A supportive group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you are not alone, and it will aid you in understanding that negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and abilities to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you receive from a support group must be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan suggested by your healthcare provider.