anxiety-disorders

How to Cope With Social Anxiety DisorderMany people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.Social anxiety disorder is characterised by fear or distress when faced with performance or social situations. The anxiety or fear is out of proportion to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can either be generalized or specific.TreatmentSocial anxiety sufferers are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is insignificant to the actual danger like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations and, in some instances depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available to treat this disorder.Psychotherapy and medications can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you collaborate to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.Online or in person, you can access the benefits of talking therapies. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way you can train your brain that these situations aren’t as dangerous as they appear.It could take several weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the severity of your anxiety. They can also help with the symptoms of depression. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but should only be used short-term.You and your doctor must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others may increase your suicide risk. Discuss the possibility of using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements you’re taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication, your doctor will need to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.Self-helpEveryone is nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations, but those experiences are different than those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It’s the constant fear of being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder is such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life including work and relationships as well as home. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods that can help people with this condition improve their quality of life.Self-help is a form of therapy that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts which trigger anxiety. CBT is done in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically mixed with other medications. Social anxiety sufferers should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and boost mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to be around positive people. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as an exercise in competition with yourself. For example, try to talk to everyone at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party more than you did the last time.If you haven’t yet sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your doctor. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it can help reduce the symptoms.MedicationTalk to your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily activities or causing you to avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to ensure that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can help treat social anxiety.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be performed on your own or in an organization that supports you. Another form of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, where a health 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 cause changes in your brain that improve mood and reduce anxiety. It may take a few weeks for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only employed in situations that are short-term or when needed.There are also other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the right medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible side effects. It is important to keep taking your medication according to the prescription even if feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of Relapse.Support groupsSupport groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They offer a safe and nonjudgmental forum in which you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. I Am Psychiatry can find support groups in person or online.Be aware of the group’s structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help group without professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or operate more fluidly. You may also want to consider how many people will be present and the amount of privacy you’ll have.The best way to choose a support group is to ask for recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from people who have been in the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of community and online support groups throughout the United States, Canada and other countries.Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders. The thought of sitting in front of a crowd of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you’re concerned about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.A good support group will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you’re not the only one and aid you in understanding that your negative self-talk are not true or distorted. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However, any advice you receive from a support group should be treated with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.