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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Treatment Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear out of proportion with the actual risk. For instance they might be scared of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in some instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem. Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn ways to manage anxiety and alter negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. This kind of treatment typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions. Online or in person You can avail therapy sessions via a chat. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they seem. It can take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They can also help with your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) can also help to reduce your symptoms, but they should only be used short-term. When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor will need to evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the risk of suicide. If you're considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medicine may interact with other supplements or drugs you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medications 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 at times, but those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach before giving a public speech or getting nervous about meeting new people; they also have the constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is such a debilitating condition that it can affect all aspects of life, including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are, however, a variety of self-help techniques that can help people with this condition improve their lives. Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be done in a group or individually with a psychotherapist, and is usually mixed with other medications. People with social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they like. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another self-help technique. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people. In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those with a competitive nature. It could be as simple a competition with yourself. For instance try to talk to every person at a party longer than you did the last time. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did the last time. If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations begin by speaking to your general practitioner. They can refer to a mental health professional who can offer you assistance and guidance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it can lessen the symptoms. Medication If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily routine, or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult your health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, they will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy where the healthcare professional assists patients confront things that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than abstaining from or absconding from 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 may take several weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorder. 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 circumstances, like prior to giving speech. There are many other types 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 oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the right medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies that you have. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take, and discuss any side effects that could occur. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the risk of having a Relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental space in which you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are available in person or online. Be aware of the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. For example, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. You may consider the number of people who will be there and how much privacy they'll have. Asking your therapist or doctor for recommendations is the best way to locate a support group. You should also read reviews about various groups and request feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for 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 disorders. The idea of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending on your own. You can also find support groups through websites like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums. A great support group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not the only one and help you realize that negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with care, and should not be a substitute for the advice of your doctor's treatment plan. |
