11 Creative Methods To Write About Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the risk involved in the situation. The fears could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual danger. For instance, they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some instances, can lead to depression or other health problems. There are a variety of treatments available to treat this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop ways to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This type of treatment usually takes between 12 and 16 sessions.
Online or in person, you can access talking therapies. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that the situations may not be as risky as they appear.
It could take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity 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 and clonazepam can also help alleviate your symptoms. However they should only be taken short-term.
You and your doctor must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep and others can increase the risk of suicide. If you're considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or psychologist. Your therapist and you can also consider whether the medicine may interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medicines your doctor needs to understand how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes however, those experiences are different than those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. If you suffer from this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to making a speech in public or being nervous about making new friends; they have an unending fear that people might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life, including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are many self-help techniques available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality.
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 conducted in a group or with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be able to participate in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can ease anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. It can be challenging for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.
The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to combat social anxiety, particularly for those with a competitive nature. It could be as simple to compete with yourself. For instance try to talk to every person at a party more than you did the previous time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party longer than you did the last time.
Speak to your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for social anxiety. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can reduce the symptoms.
Medication
Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or as part of a support group. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, where a health 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 mood and decrease anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medications begin working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder 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 when needed.
There are 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 best medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking and discuss any adverse consequences that could arise. Even when you feel better, it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly increases the likelihood of suffering a rebound.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or online.
Be aware of the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some support 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 have regular meetings or will operate on a more flexible basis. You may also want to consider how many people will be present and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
The best way to choose the right support group is to ask for recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also make use of the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They provide lists of online and community support groups for anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The idea of standing in front of other people could be stressful. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums and chat rooms.
A supportive group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you are not alone and will assist you in recognizing that negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop more positive mindset and build skills to deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with care, and should not replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.