Five Tools That Everyone In The Anxiety Disorder Industry Should Be Using
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel 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 characterized by anxiety or distress when confronted with situations in which people are performing or social. The distress or fear is out of proportion to the risk involved in the situation. The fear can be generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For instance they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few cases, can develop into depression or other health problems. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. generalized anxiety disorder (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can help you build confidence to face stressful situations. This kind of treatment typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Online or in person, you can access the benefits of talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a typical form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that the situation might not be as hazardous as they seem.
There are many types of medications used to treat social anxiety disorder however, they may take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can reduce your anxiety. They may also help your depression 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 and clonazepam can also help relieve your symptoms. However they should only be taken short-term.
Your doctor and you must consider the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medicine could interact with any other medications or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how serious your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes, but those emotions are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life, including work and relationships as well as home. Fortunately, there is various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group, and is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and boost mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to be around positive people. It can be challenging for someone with social anxieties to be around positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For instance, try to talk to everyone at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party more than you did last time.
If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your physician. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that affects your daily routine, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have a social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new techniques to manage your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be done alone or with a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable, rather than 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 signal changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for people suffering from social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are therefore only used in short-term situations or when needed.
There are numerous other types of medications that can be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking, and discuss any side effects that may occur. It is crucial to keep following the prescribed dosage, even if you are feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication increases the likelihood of relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They offer an unprejudiced and safe space in which you can discuss your issues with others with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or operate more fluidly. It is also important to consider how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll have.
The best method of choosing the right support group is to request recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from those 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 a directory of community and online support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for people with social anxiety disorders. The idea of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few 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 as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A supportive group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not the only one, and it will help you realize that negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. However, any advice you receive from a support group must be treated with caution and should not replace the recommended treatment plan of your physician.