Ten Reasons To Hate People Who Can't Be Disproved Anxiety Disorder
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 disorder is defined by distress or fear when confronted with performance or social situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety sufferers feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to face difficult situations. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed for this type of treatment.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a popular type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that the situation might not be as risky as they appear.
It can take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help reduce anxiety. They can also ease 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 to reduce your symptoms, but should only be used in short-term situations.
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 sleeping patterns, while others could increase your suicide risk. If you're thinking of using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times however, those feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving an address in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so limiting that it affects all aspects of life including home, work, and relationships. There are many self-help techniques that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group and is often paired with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be able to participate in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example can ease stress and boost mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for example or trying to speak to everyone at an event more times than you did last time. It could also be as simple as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or returning to school to earn an education in the field you are interested in.
If you haven't had treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your doctor. They can refer you to a mental healthcare professional 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
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 making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and will conduct a physical examination to ensure that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new techniques for dealing with anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger anxiety. CBT can either be done by yourself or as part of a support group. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, where a health professional guides you to 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 can cause changes in the brain which improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can 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 disorder . These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only utilized in short-term scenarios or on demand.
There are numerous other types of drugs that can be used to be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on symptoms and other health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your risk of having a relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. They provide an open and safe environment in which you can discuss your struggles with people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. You can find support groups in person or on the internet.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might also want to consider how many people will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.
Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries.
Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of being in front of other people can be a bit stressful. Consider asking 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 on websites like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums chat rooms and discussion forums.
A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not the only one and assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop more positive attitude and develop strategies to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group should be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.