If You've Just Purchased Anxiety Disorder ... Now What?
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress is out of proportion to the actual risk in the situation. The fear can be general or specific.
Treatment
People suffering from social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual risk like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some cases, can develop into depression or other health problems. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage anxiety and to change your negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can increase your confidence to handle difficult situations. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed for this type of treatment.
Talking therapies are available either in person or online. Exposure therapy is a typical method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they appear.
It can take months or even weeks for medications to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can reduce 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 like alprazolam and clonazepam can also aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be used in short-term doses.
When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor will have to consider the advantages and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. Consider taking an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medications, your doctor will need to determine how severe your social anxiety 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. For someone who has this condition, it's not just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to making a speech in public or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have the constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so limiting that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people to understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a counselor, and is typically combined medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can ease stress and boost mood. Spending time with people who are positive is a different self-help method. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people.
In addition, taking on challenges can be a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those with a competitive nature. It could be as simple as to compete with yourself. For instance, try to talk to everyone at a party more than you did the last time. It could also be as big as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or returning to school to earn an education in your area of interest.
If you haven't yet sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your physician. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety, but it can lessen the symptoms.
Medication
Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily activities or causing you to avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct an examination to confirm that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from social anxiety, they 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 method of teaching you new techniques to manage anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a support group. Another type of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable 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 trigger changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take a few weeks for the medications to start working. IamPsychiatry as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. 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 numerous other types of medications that can help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you, in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. It is important to continue following the prescribed dosage even if you're feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the risk of a relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide an open and safe environment in which you can discuss your concerns with other people who suffer from 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.
Examine the group's structure as well as the membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or be more fluid. You might also want to consider how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll have.
A therapist or doctor asking for recommendations is the best way to locate an organization that can help you. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of community and online support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a frightening experience. The thought of standing in front of people can also be stressful. If you're nervous about going to a meeting alone, consider asking someone from your family or a friend to join you for the first few meetings. There are support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A great support group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not the only one and assist you in recognizing that your negative self-talk aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support group must be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.