15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress is out of proportion to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can be either general or specific. Treatment People with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual risk like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available for this disorder. Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop ways to manage anxiety and to change your negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions. The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situations may not be as hazardous as they appear. There are several types of medication used to treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take weeks or months to get started. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help reduce anxiety. They may 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 drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), can also 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 evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of taking an antidepressant with a counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medicine might interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication your doctor needs to know 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 experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach before giving 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 disorder can be such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life, including work and relationships as well as home. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life. Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed in a private session with a therapist or in a group, and is often combined with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for example, can relieve stress and boost mood. Another method to help yourself is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people. The act of taking on challenges is a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For example try to speak to everyone at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more than you did the last time. If you haven't sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking 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 isn't the only solution to social anxiety however it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety. Medication Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination to ensure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety, he 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 you change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of it. CBT can be performed by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a medical professional helps you gradually face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort 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 cause changes in your brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be prescribed to people suffering from social anxiety disorders. These drugs can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only used in short-term situations or when needed. There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies you suffer from. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any potential adverse reactions. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of Relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can talk about your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online. Before joining a support group, consider its structure and the membership requirements. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups without professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more fluid basis. You may be thinking about how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll have. A therapist or doctor asking for recommendations is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been part of the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They provide a list of community and online support groups for anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries. Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a frightening experience. The thought of being in front of people could be intimidating. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're worried about attending on your own. You can also find support groups via a website like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums, chat rooms and discussion forums. A good support group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by educating you that you're not the only one and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't accurate or distorted. It can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop techniques to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you receive from a support organization should be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.