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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is characterised by anxiety or distress when faced with social situations and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear could be specific or generalized.

Treatment

People suffering from social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is out of proportion to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations or, in some cases depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this disorder.

Medications and psychotherapy can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn ways to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Together, you and your therapist can increase your confidence to handle difficult situations. This kind of treatment typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.

The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that the situation might not be as hazardous as they appear.

It could take several weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the severity of your anxiety. They may also help your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications such as alprazolam and clonazepam can also help relieve your symptoms. However they should only be used short-term.

You and your doctor must consider the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss the possibility that the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements you are using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how serious your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are in social situations, but those experiences are different than 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 speech in public or being nervous about making new people; they also have a constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can impact all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their lives.

Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and improve mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to surround yourself with positive people. This may be difficult for someone with social anxiety however it is beneficial if you surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you may not be able to see it yourself.

Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at an event more times than you did last time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more than you did last time.

Speak to your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication is not a cure for anxiety-related social issues however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of your anxiety.

Medication

If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult your health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to make sure that there isn't a recurrent medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.

mixed anxiety depressive disorder  (CBT) can help you learn new strategies to tackle anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can either be done on your own or in a support group. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy in which a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that create anxiety and discomfort rather than avoiding 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 cause changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These drugs work quickly to decrease anxiety and can be habit-forming, and are typically only prescribed for short durations or in certain circumstances, like prior to giving speech.

There are many other types of drugs that can be used to help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health issues. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any possible adverse effects. It is important to keep taking your medication according to the prescription, even if you are feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it increases the likelihood of rebound.

Support groups

Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide an open and safe environment where you can discuss your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online.

Before joining a support group, consider its structure and membership requirements. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals while 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 fluid basis. You might also want to consider how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy.

The best way to choose the right support group is to seek recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have an extensive list of community and online support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the possibility of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're worried about attending on your own. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms and discussion forums.

A supportive group can help you cope with social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't accurate or distorted. It can also help develop a positive attitude and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. However, any advice you receive from a support organization should be used with caution and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.