15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress is out of proportion to the actual risk of the situation. The fear could be specific or generalized.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual risk, such as being shamed 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. There are many treatment options available to treat this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can build your confidence to face difficult situations. This kind of treatment typically requires 12 to 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this, you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as hazardous as they appear.
It could take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can reduce 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 medication, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used short-term.
Your doctor and you must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication before choosing one. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements you're using, such as herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication, your doctor will need to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects 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. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a public speech or being nervous about making new people; they also have a constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect all aspects of life, including work and relationships as well as home. There are, however, a variety of self-help techniques that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group, and is often paired with medication. People with social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can ease anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to spend time with positive people. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.
In generalized anxiety disorder , taking on challenges can be an effective way to combat social anxiety, especially for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as simple a competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to everyone at a gathering more than you did the last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for an education in your area of interest.
Speak to your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can offer guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it does lessen the symptoms.
Medication
Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are a variety of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with 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 in which the healthcare professional assists a patient face things that create anxiety and discomfort rather than 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 signal changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It can take a few weeks for the medications to start working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder might benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety, and they can also be habit-forming, so they are typically only used for brief intervals or in specific situations, like before giving speech.
There are a variety of other kinds of medications that can treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements. Also discuss any potential adverse effects. Even when you feel better, it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase the risk of an Relapse.
Support groups
If you're a sufferer of social anxiety, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to cope with your condition. They offer a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can talk about your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Consider the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might also want to think about how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.
The best method of choosing the right support group is to ask for suggestions 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 the resources offered by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders, and the idea of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. 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 through websites such as Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums and chat rooms.
A good support group will help you deal with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not alone, and it will help you realize that negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However, any advice you receive from a support group must be used with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.