Why We Do We Love Anxiety Disorder (And You Should, Too!)

How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorders usually involve fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety sufferers feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual danger like being shamed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations and, in some instances depression or other health issues. There are many treatment options available to treat this problem. Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to increase your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. This type of therapy typically requires 12 to 16 sessions. Online or in person In person or online, you can get access to therapy sessions via a chat. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can train your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they may appear. There are several types of medications that treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also ease 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 help to reduce your symptoms, but they should only be used in short-term situations. When choosing a medication you and your physician will have to weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medicine might interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication your doctor needs to know 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. This condition is more than simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can impact every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. There are, however, many self-help strategies that can help people with this condition improve their lives. Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also participate in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for example can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people. It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as simple an exercise in competition with yourself. For example, try to talk to everyone at a party longer than you did the last time. Or, it could be as big as accepting an offer at work or going back to school to earn the degree you want in the field you are interested in. Talk to your doctor in the event that you haven't yet sought help for social anxiety. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can reduce the symptoms. Medication If you experience anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily life or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to a health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform an examination to ensure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that cause anxiety. CBT can either be done by yourself or in the form of a group. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a medical 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 trigger changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be used for some people suffering from social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to decrease anxiety and can be habit-forming, so they are typically only used for brief intervals or in specific situations, such as before giving speech. There are other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants and the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health issues. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking and discuss any possible side effects that could occur. It is important to keep following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication can increase your chances of having a rebound. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can talk about your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or online. Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its membership requirements. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help group without professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You may want to think about the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy. Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to locate a support group. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for community and online support groups throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of being in front of people could be stressful. If you're worried about attending a meeting alone, consider asking someone from your family or a friend to accompany you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums, and chat rooms. A good support group can help you deal with social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't true or accurate. generalized anxiety disorder can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop techniques to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group should be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the recommended treatment plan of your doctor.