15 Surprising Facts About Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is defined by anxiety or distress when confronted with performance or social situations. The distress or fear is out of proportion to the actual risk of the situation. The fear can be generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear beyond the actual danger. For disorders anxiety may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations and, in some instances, can lead to depression or other health problems. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop strategies to manage anxiety and to change your negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can help you build confidence to tackle difficult situations. This type of therapy typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can train your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
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 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 medications like alprazolam and clonazepam may help relieve your symptoms. However, they should only be used short-term.
When choosing a medication you and your doctor must evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of taking an antidepressant with a therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medicine may interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication, your doctor will need to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations, but those experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this condition, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior 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 can be so severe that it can impact all aspects of life, including home, work and relationships. There are many self-help techniques available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that assists people deal with anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT is done in a group or individually with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People with social anxiety should also participate in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can help relieve stress and boost mood. Another method to help yourself is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be challenging for someone who is anxious about social situations to be around positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as an exercise in competition with yourself. For example try to talk to everyone at a party more than you did the previous time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did last time.
Speak to your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for anxiety related to social. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it does lessen the symptoms.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and fear that affects your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new skills to deal with anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a support group. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, where a health professional helps you gradually face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, rather than avoiding 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 that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medications begin working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These drugs are effective in helping decrease anxiety and can be habit-forming, so they are typically only prescribed for short intervals or in certain situations, like before giving an address.
There are numerous other types of medicines that help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies that you have. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking and discuss any adverse effects that may occur. Even when you feel better, it is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of having a relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and membership requirements. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help group without professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might also want to consider how many people will be present and how much privacy you'll have.
The best method of choosing the right support group is to ask for suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have an extensive list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of being in front of others can also be overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're concerned about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A supportive group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't true or true at all. It can also help you develop more positive mindset and build techniques to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support organization should be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the recommended treatment plan of your healthcare provider.