How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety or distress when faced with situations in which people are performing or social. The anxiety or fear is out of proportion to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can either be generalized or specific.

Treatment

People with social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is insignificant to the actual danger like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn coping skills to manage anxiety and to change your negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you work together to increase your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required for this type of treatment.

Therapy for talking is available in person or online. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can help your brain accept that these situations might not be as risky as it seems.

It could take months or even weeks for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms but should only be used in short-term situations.


When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor will have to weigh the benefits and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase your risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with a counselor or psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medicines your doctor needs to understand how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.

Self-help

Social anxiety disorder is a terribly form of anxiety that is very uncomfortable. For someone who has this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a speech in public or being nervous about making new friends; they have the constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life, including work and relationships as well as home. There are, however, many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their lives.

Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted individually with a therapist or in a group, and is often paired with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to be around positive people. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.

Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, especially for those with a competitive nature. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at the dinner party more often than you did last time. It could also be as large as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn the degree you want in the field you are interested in.

Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They can refer to a mental health professional who can offer advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. The use of medication is not a cure for social anxiety, but it can help lessen the symptoms and reduce the intensity of your anxiety.

Medication

Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to make sure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be done alone or with a group of individuals in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy, where medical professionals help the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort 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 cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take a few weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to people suffering from social anxiety disorder. These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They should only be employed in situations that are short-term or when needed.

There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants and the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the right medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies that you have. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. Even even if you feel better it is essential to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase the chance of an rebound.

Support groups

If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.

Before joining a support group, consider the structure and membership requirements. For example, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or be more fluid. You might consider how many people will be there and how much privacy they'll have.

Asking your therapist or doctor for recommendations is the best way to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have lists of community and online support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Meeting with panic anxiety disorder can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the thought of sitting in front of a large group of people can be overwhelming. If you're concerned about attending a gathering alone, consider asking an acquaintance or family member to join you for the first few meetings. There are support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling discussions forums, as well as a chat room.

A good support group can help you deal with social anxiety by showing you that you're not the only one and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't real or true at all. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group must be treated with caution and should not replace the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.