11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is defined by distress or fear when confronted with situations in which people are performing or social. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can either be generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual danger, such as being embarrassed or snubbed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available for this disorder.
Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies for managing anxiety and changing negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can build your confidence to tackle stressful situations. This kind of treatment typically requires 12 to 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this, you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
It can take weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the severity of your anxiety. They can also help relieve 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) are also able to be helpful in relieving your symptoms but should only be used in short-term situations.
Your doctor and you must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing one. 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 interfere with other medications or supplements you're using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how severe your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a terribly form of anxiety that is extremely uncomfortable. For someone who has this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to making a speech in public or getting nervous about meeting new people; they also have a constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so severe that it can affect all aspects of life, including home, work, and relationships. Fortunately, there are disorders anxiety -help methods that can help those suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be performed 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 engage in activities they like. Exercise, for instance, can relieve stress and boost mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to be around positive people. This may be difficult for someone with social anxiety However, it can be beneficial to surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty, even though you might not be able to be able to see it yourself.
It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as simple an exercise in competition with yourself. For example, try to talk to every person at a gathering more than you did last time. Or, it could be as simple as accepting an offer at work or going back to school to earn an education in your field of interest.
Consult your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for anxiety related to social. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Medication is not the only solution to anxiety-related social issues however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
Talk 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 ask questions about your symptoms and perform an examination to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new techniques for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of it. CBT can either be done on your own or in a support group. Another form of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, where a health professional helps you gradually face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are usually only prescribed for short intervals or in certain situations, like before giving a speech.
There are other medicines that can be used to combat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies you suffer from. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any possible adverse effects. It is important to keep following the prescribed dosage even if you're feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the risk of having a rebound.
Support groups
If you're a sufferer of social anxiety support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can talk about your struggles with people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements prior to joining. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, and others are self-help groups without professional guidance. It is also important to consider 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 in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
The best method to select the right support group is to seek recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA which is 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 terrifying experience. The thought of standing in front of others can also be stressful. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can also find support groups via a website like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums and chat rooms.
A supportive group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not alone and will help you realize that your negative self-talk aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and abilities to manage your social anxieties. However, any advice you receive from a support organization should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your physician.