anxiety-disorders

How to Cope With Social Anxiety DisorderMany people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.Social anxiety disorder is defined by fear or distress when confronted with performance or social situations. The anxiety or fear is insignificant to the actual risk of the situation. The fear can be general or specific.TreatmentSocial anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for this condition.Psychotherapy and medications can 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 thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can increase your confidence to face stressful situations. In general 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required for this type of treatment.Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a popular method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which make you uncomfortable. Through this you can train your brain that these situations aren’t as hazardous as they seem.There are many types of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take weeks or months to get started. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They can also help relieve 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, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but should only be used short-term.Your doctor and you should weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the 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 medication could interact with any other supplements or drugs you are taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications, your doctor will need to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.Self-helpSocial anxiety disorder is a severe type of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. For someone who has this disorder, it’s more than just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior making a speech in public or getting nervous 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 and relationships as well as home. There are a variety of self-help methods that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their quality.Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists people to understand anxiety and alter the negative thoughts which trigger it. CBT is done in a group or individually with a therapist, and is often combined medication. People with social anxiety should also engage in activities they like. Exercise, for instance can help relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another self-help technique. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it is beneficial if you surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you might not be able to see it yourself.It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. IamPsychiatry could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did the last time.If you haven’t sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your general practitioner. They can refer to a mental health professional who can offer assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.MedicationIf you are experiencing anxiety and fear that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult a health care provider. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and will conduct a physical examination to ensure that you do not 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 an expert in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new techniques to manage anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that lead to it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy, where a healthcare professional helps patients confront things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable instead of abstaining from 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 can cause changes in the brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take several weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety, and they can also be habit-forming, and are typically only used for brief durations or in certain circumstances, like prior to giving a speech.There are a variety of other kinds of medicines that treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the right medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking, and discuss any side effects that may occur. It is important to continue taking your medication according to the prescription even if feeling better. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your risk of an relapse.Support groupsIf you’re a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. They provide an unprejudiced and safe space where you can talk about your concerns with other people who have the same condition. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. You can find support groups in person or online.Examine the group’s structure as well as membership requirements before joining. For example, some groups are led by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might be thinking about the number of people there and how much privacy they’ll enjoy.A therapist or doctor asking for suggestions is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews about different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a directory of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of standing in front of other people can be a bit overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about going to meetings on your own. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling, discussion forums, and a chat room.A good support group will help you deal with your social anxiety. It will show you that you’re not the only one and assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself aren’t real or true. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support group must be taken with care and should not be used to replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.