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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is defined by distress or fear when faced with social situations and performance situations. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears can be either specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel fear and distress in a way that is not proportional to the actual danger. For example they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in some cases, can develop into depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this condition. Psychotherapy and medication can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This kind of treatment typically requires 12 to 16 sessions. Online or in person, you can access the benefits of talking therapies. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as risky as they seem. It could take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the severity of your anxiety. They can also help with 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 can also help relieve your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term. When choosing a medication you and your doctor will need to consider the advantages and risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or psychologist. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication your doctor needs to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes however, those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this condition, 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 friends; they have a constant fear that others will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating it can affect all aspects of life, including work and relationships as well as home. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group and is often paired with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to be around positive people. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people. It is possible to overcome social anxiety by tackling tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as simple as an exercise in competition with yourself. For example try to talk to every person at a gathering more than you did last time. It could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party more than you did last time. Talk to your doctor in the event that you haven't yet sought help for anxiety related to social. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not the only solution to anxiety in social situations however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the intensity of your anxiety. Medication Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you do not suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to combat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new techniques to manage anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done alone or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy, where medical professionals help the patient confront issues that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable instead of abstaining from or absconding from them.
There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, and a class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health issues. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take and discuss any possible side effects that may occur. Even when you feel better, it is essential to follow the medication as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of suffering a rebound. Support groups If you're a sufferer of social anxiety, support groups can help you overcome your fears and help you cope with your condition. They offer an unprejudiced and safe space in which you can discuss your struggles with people with the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or on the internet. Before joining a support group, consider the structure and the requirements for membership. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more flexible basis. It is also important to consider how many people will be present and the amount of privacy you'll have. The best method of choosing a support group is to request recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people with social anxiety disorder, and the possibility of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're concerned about attending on your own. There are support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms. A supportive group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not alone and will aid you in understanding that your negative self-talk aren't real or true. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and abilities to manage your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution and should not replace the treatment recommendations of your healthcare provider. plan. |
