The Biggest Problem With Anxiety Disorder, And How You Can Repair It
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 have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by fear or distress when confronted with situations in which people are performing or social. The anxiety or fear is insignificant to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can be either general or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For example they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available to treat this disorder.
Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage your anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can build your confidence to handle stressful situations. This type of therapy typically requires 12 to 16 sessions.
Talking therapies are available either in person or online. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that these situations might not be as risky as they seem.
It could take several weeks or even months 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 such as alprazolam and clonazepam, can aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken for short periods of time.
You and your doctor must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase your risk of suicide. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medicine might interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications, your doctor will need to know 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 feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior giving a public speech or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have the constant fear that others will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be such a debilitating condition that it can affect all aspects of life, including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there is various self-help methods that can help people with this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group, and is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also engage in activities they like. Exercise, for example can help relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another self-help technique. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people.
In addition, taking on challenges can be a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing against yourself, for example or trying to speak to everyone at an event more times than you did the last time. Or, it could be as big as accepting the offer of a promotion at work, or going back to school for the degree you want in the field you are interested in.
Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it does help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or anxiety that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to a health care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and will conduct a physical examination to ensure that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger it. CBT can either be done on your own or in a support group. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy where the healthcare professional assists a patient face things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable rather than abstaining from or 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 cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication begins working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety, and they can also be addictive, which is why they are usually only prescribed for short periods of time or on-demand in specific situations, such as before giving a speech.
There are many other types of medications that can 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 choose the most appropriate medication for you, based on symptoms and other health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take, and discuss any side effects that may occur. It is crucial to keep taking your medication according to the prescription, even if you are feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the risk of having a relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental space where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or online.
Consider the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or will operate more fluidly. You might be thinking about the number of people who will be there and how much privacy they'll have.
A therapist or doctor asking for suggestions is the best way to locate an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have been part of the group. You can also make use of the resources provided 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 be a bit stressful. If you're nervous about attending a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask someone from your family or a friend to go with you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A great support group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will teach you that you are not alone and will aid you in understanding that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. It can also help you develop a more positive attitude and develop strategies to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group must be used with caution and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan suggested by your healthcare provider.