anxiety-disorders

How to Cope With Social Anxiety DisorderMany people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.Social anxiety disorder is characterized by distress or fear when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The distress or fear is out of proportion to the actual risk in the situation. The fears could be general or specific.TreatmentSocial anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear beyond the actual danger. For instance they might be scared of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few instances, may lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem.Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.In person or online In person or online, you can get access to talking therapies. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that the situations aren’t as hazardous as they appear.There are many types of medication used to treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take a few weeks or even months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity of your anxiety. They can also help relieve your depressive symptoms. 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 can also help alleviate your symptoms. However, they should only be used short-term.You and your doctor must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication before choosing one. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others may increase your suicide risk. Consider using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication may interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.Self-helpSocial anxiety disorder is a terribly form of anxiety that is very uncomfortable. The condition goes beyond simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It’s a constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can affect all aspects of life including home, work, and relationships. There are, however, many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps people deal with anxiety and change the negative thoughts which trigger it. CBT can be conducted individually with a therapist or in a group and is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also try to engage in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is another way to help yourself. This can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it is beneficial if you surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty, even though you may not be able to see it yourself.Taking on challenges is also an effective way to combat social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at an event more times than you did the last time. type of anxiety disorder could be as simple as competing against yourself, for example trying to speak to each person at a dinner party longer than you did last time.If you haven’t sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking to your general practitioner. They can refer to a mental health professional who can provide assistance and guidance. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medication does not cure social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.MedicationIf you experience anxiety and fear that affects your daily routine, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, speak to an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that you don’t have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many types of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new skills to deal with your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or in the form of a group. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a medical professional helps you gradually face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, rather than trying to avoid 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 which improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take some time before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are therefore only used in short-term situations or as needed.There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. It is crucial to continue taking your medication as prescribed even if feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of having a relapse.Support groupsSupport groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups 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 how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online.Be aware of the group’s structure and membership requirements before joining. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate more fluidly. You may also want to consider how many people will be in attendance and how much privacy you’ll enjoy.Asking your therapist or doctor for recommendations is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You must also read reviews of various groups and request feedback from people 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 list of community and online support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers a frightening experience. The thought of standing in front of other people can also be stressful. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as a chat room.A good support group can help you deal with your social anxiety by showing you that you’re not the only one and helping you understand that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren’t real or accurate. It can also help you develop a more positive attitude and develop strategies to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with caution, and should not be a substitute for the advice of your doctor’s treatment plan.