3 Reasons You're Anxiety Disorder Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by fear or distress when confronted with situations in which people are performing or social. The fear or distress in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed out of proportion with the actual danger. For example, they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in some instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to tackle stressful situations. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary to receive this kind of treatment.
Talking therapies are available either in person or online. Exposure therapy is a common type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear.
There are many types of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take weeks or months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce 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 medication, like alprazolam and clonazepam may help alleviate your symptoms. However they should only be taken short-term.
When choosing a medication, you and your physician must consider the advantages and risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications, your doctor will need to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a serious form of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. If you suffer from this disorder, it's not only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to making a speech in public or getting nervous about meeting new acquaintances; they are also plagued by an unending fear that people will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so limiting that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there is many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be conducted individually with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also participate in activities that they like. Exercise, for example can help reduce stress and boost mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you may not see it yourself.
The act of taking on challenges is 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 each person at the dinner party more often than you did last time. It could also be as large as accepting an offer at work or going back to school to earn a degree in your area of interest.
If you haven't yet sought treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your doctor. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication is not a cure for anxiety in social situations however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety, he'll refer you to an expert in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new strategies to tackle your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed 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 instead of 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 trigger changes in the brain which improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take some time before the medications begin working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They should only be utilized in short-term scenarios or on demand.
There are generalized anxiety disorder of drugs that can be used to be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the right medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. Even when you feel better, it is important to follow the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of having a relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or on the internet.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. For instance, some groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or will be more fluid. You might be thinking about the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll have.
A therapist or doctor asking for recommendations is the best way to find a support group. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from people who have been part of the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the possibility of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about going to a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask an acquaintance or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling, discussion forums, and a chat room.
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 help you realize that your negative self-talk are not true or distorted. It can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop skills to deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support organization should be used with caution and should not replace the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.