Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Anxiety Disorder?
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically involve distress or fear in a majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear is out of proportion to the risk involved in the situation. The fears can be either general or specific. Treatment Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxiety and fear out of proportion with the actual danger. For instance, they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations and, in some instances, may lead to depression or other health problems. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this condition. Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions. In person or online, you can access talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a typical type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can help your brain accept that the situations may not be as hazardous as they appear. There are a variety of drugs that treat social anxiety disorder however, they may take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the severity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, such as alprazolam and clonazepam, can aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken for short periods of time. Your doctor and you must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and others can increase the risk of suicide. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also discuss whether the medication might interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications your doctor will also need to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a severe form of anxiety that can be extremely uncomfortable. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life including work, relationships, and home. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life. Self-help is a form of therapy that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also participate in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and boost mood. Another method to help yourself is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be challenging for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people. In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For example, try to talk to every person at a party longer than you did last time. It could also be as simple as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for an education in your field of interest. Talk to your doctor if you haven't sought help for anxiety related to social. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can offer guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety, but it can reduce the symptoms. Medication If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that affects your daily routine, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to your health care provider. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you don't have a medical issue that is separate from your. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he'll refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can help treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new techniques to manage anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or in an organization that supports you. Another form of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 can cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are typically only prescribed for short periods of time or on-demand in specific situations, such as before giving an address. There are a variety of other kinds of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you're taking, and discuss any side effects that may occur. Even when you feel better, it is crucial to take your medication as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of having a Relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide an open and safe environment in which you can discuss your struggles with people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online. Before joining a support group, you should consider its structure and the membership requirements. For instance, some groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. It is also important to consider how many members will be present and how much privacy you'll have. The best method of choosing a support group is to seek suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You must also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also make use of the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They provide a list of community and online support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being in front of a crowd of people can feel overwhelming. If you're worried about attending a gathering by yourself, you might want to ask someone from your family or a friend to accompany you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms. A good support group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by showing you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't real or accurate. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support group must be taken with care and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.