How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

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

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear could be generalized or specific.

Treatment

People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in some cases, can develop into depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available to treat this problem.

Medications and psychotherapy can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and to change your negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and [Redirect-302] you work together to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required to receive this kind of treatment.

The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as risky as they seem.

It can take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the severity 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 medication, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also help to reduce your symptoms, but should only be used short-term.

When choosing a medication, you and your doctor [Redirect-301] will need to consider the advantages and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep and others can increase the risk of suicide. If you are considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or psychologist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication could interact with any other drugs for social anxiety disorder or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to know how
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new strategies to tackle anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where the healthcare professional assists patients confront things that create 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 signal changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication starts working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to decrease anxiety and can be addictive, which is why they are usually only used for brief durations or in specific circumstances, like prior to giving speech.

There are other medicines that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you depending on your symptoms and other health conditions. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of having a rebound.

Support groups

If you're a social anxiety sufferer support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to cope with your condition. They offer an unprejudiced and safe space where you can talk about your issues with others with the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.

Be aware of the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might want to think about the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.

Asking your doctor or therapist for recommendations is the best way to locate an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also use 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 in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of standing in front of others can be a bit overwhelming. If you're nervous about going to a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask a friend or family member to join you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums, and chat rooms.

A good support group can assist you in dealing with social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't true or distorted. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with care, and should not be a substitute for the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.