ownerbranch3

How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears can either be specific or generalized. Treatment People with social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is not proportional to the actual danger, such as being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few instances, may lead to depression or other health problems. There are many treatment options available to treat this condition. Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills for managing anxiety and changing negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to face stressful situations. This type of therapy typically requires 12 to 16 sessions. Online or in person, you can access talking therapies. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situation might not be as dangerous as it seems. It could take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They may also help 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 they should only be used short-term. When deciding on a medication, you and your physician will have to weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and others can increase the risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication may interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a serious form 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 giving a public speech or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have an unending fear that people will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are a variety of self-help methods that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed in a private session with a therapist or in a group and it is often combined with medication. People suffering from social anxiety should also consider engaging in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. It can be challenging for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people. In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to reduce social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple an exercise in competition with yourself. For example try to talk to everyone at a gathering more than you did last time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for instance trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did last time. If you haven't yet sought treatment for your social anxiety begin by speaking to your general practitioner. They can refer you to a mental healthcare professional who can offer you assistance and guidance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. The use of medication is not a cure for social anxiety however it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of anxiety. Medication If you are experiencing anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can be used to combat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new techniques to manage anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that cause anxiety. CBT can be performed on your own or in the form of a group. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional assists you in overcoming 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 trigger changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It could take a few weeks before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They should only be utilized in short-term scenarios or when needed. There are many other types of drugs that can be used to be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the right medication for your needs based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements. Also, discuss any possible side effects. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the chance of a rebound. Support groups Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are accessible 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 group with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will be more fluid. You might also want to consider how many people will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll have. The best way to choose the right support group is to ask for recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews of various groups and request feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide lists of community and online support groups for anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries. Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a frightening experience. The thought of being in front of others can also be stressful. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about going to meetings on your own. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms. A good support group will help you deal with your social anxiety. It will teach you that you're not alone and will assist you in recognizing that negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and abilities to manage your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support group should be treated with caution and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.