10 Things Everyone Hates About Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is insignificant to the actual risk in the situation. The fear can be generalized or specific. Treatment Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual danger. For instance they might be scared of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for this condition. Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. In general 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment. Online or in person In person or online, you can get access to the benefits of talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a typical method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that make you uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situation might not be as hazardous as they appear. There are many types of medication used to treat social anxiety disorder however, they may take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of your 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 drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help to reduce your symptoms, but they should only be used in short-term situations. When choosing a medication you and your doctor must consider the advantages and risks of each choice. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is, and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times However, these emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being humiliated or judged 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. Fortunately, there are a variety of self-help techniques that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life. Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT is done in a group or individually with a counselor, and is typically combined medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for instance, can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to spend time with positive people. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to be around positive people. It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for instance or trying to speak to each person at a dinner party more times than you did last time. Or, it could be as big as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for an education in your area of interest. If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your physician. They can refer to a mental health professional who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues however, it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety. Medication If you're experiencing anxiety or anxiety that affects your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to a health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If disorders anxiety suspects that you are suffering from social anxiety, he will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new techniques for managing anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be performed on your own or in the form of a group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where the healthcare professional assists the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of abstaining from or 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 decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorder. These drugs can decrease anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are therefore only utilized in short-term scenarios or on demand. There are other medicines that can be used to combat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any potential side effects. Even when you feel better, it is important to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your chances of relapse. Support groups If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and help you cope with your condition. These groups provide an unprejudiced and safe space where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet. Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some support groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or will operate more fluidly. You might be thinking about how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll have. The best method to select the right support group is to ask for recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide a list of online and community support groups for anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people with social anxiety disorder, and the thought of sitting in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. If you're concerned about attending a gathering with a stranger, think about asking someone from your family or a friend to join you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms. A good support group can help you cope with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you understand that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't accurate or true at all. It can help you develop a more positive mindset and build skills to deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group must be used with caution and should not replace the recommended treatment plan of your physician.