Then You ve Found Your Anxiety Disorder ... Now What
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 have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by distress or fear when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the actual risk of the situation. The fears can either be generalized anxiety disorder dsm 5 or specific.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is out of proportion to the actual risk like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, depression or other health issues. There are many treatment options available to treat this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn strategies to manage your anxiety and to change your negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will collaborate to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. This kind of treatment typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Therapy for talking is available in person or online. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they may appear.
There are many types of medication that treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take a few weeks or even months to get started. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the severity of your anxiety. They may also help your depression 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 may help alleviate your symptoms. However, they should only be used in short-term doses.
Your doctor and you should consider the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase the risk of suicide. If you're thinking of using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. You and your therapist can also discuss whether the medication may interact with other supplements or drugs you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication your doctor needs to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort in social situations sometimes However, these feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than just feeling nervous before giving an address in public or feeling anxious when meeting new people. It's an ongoing fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety can be so debilitating that it affects all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT is done in a group or with a psychotherapist, and is usually combined with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also be able to participate in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for instance, can relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety however it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty even though you may not be able to see it yourself.
In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to reduce social what anxiety disorder feels like, particularly meds for generalized anxiety disorder those with a competitive nature. It could be as easy as a competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to everyone at a party more than you did the last time. Or, it could be as simple as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn the degree you want in your area of interest.
Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can offer advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Medication does not cure social anxiety eating disorder, but it does help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult a health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, they will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new techniques to manage anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that trigger gerd anxiety disorder. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than avoiding 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication starts working. Some people with social anxiety disorder might also benefit from benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are usually only used for brief durations or 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 group of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most effective treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take, and discuss any side effects that could occur. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication increases the likelihood of relapse.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can talk about your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its membership requirements. For example, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or be more fluid. You may also want to consider how many members will be present and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
The best method of choosing a support group is to request suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide a list of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The idea of standing in front of other people can also be intimidating. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A supportive group can help you deal with social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you understand that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't real or accurate. It can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop techniques to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with care, and should not replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.
