Notes

14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorders usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the risk involved in the situation. The fears can either be generalized or specific.

Treatment

People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some instances, may lead to depression or other health problems. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can increase your confidence to face difficult situations. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required for this type of treatment.

Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a popular method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which make you uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that the situation might not be as dangerous as they seem.

There are a variety of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity 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 medications like alprazolam and clonazepam can also help alleviate your symptoms. However they should only be used in short-term doses.

When choosing a medication, you and your physician will have to evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep and some can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also consider whether the medicine could interact with any other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication your doctor will also need to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.

Self-help

Social anxiety disorder is a terribly type of anxiety that is extremely uncomfortable. This disorder is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so limiting that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life.


Self-help includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. It can be challenging for someone with social anxieties to be around positive people.

The act of taking on challenges is 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 every person at a gathering more than you did the last time. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance trying to speak to everyone at a dinner event more than you did the last time.

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

Medication

If you experience anxiety and fear that affects your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you do not have a medical issue that is separate from your. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to a mental health professional. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new techniques to manage anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed by yourself or in the form of a group. Another form of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, where a health professional assists you in overcoming the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, rather than 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 may take several weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are usually only used for short intervals or in specific situations, such as before giving an address.

There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants and the class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take and discuss any adverse effects that may occur. Even when you feel better, it is crucial to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your risk of a rebound.

Support groups

If you're a social anxiety sufferer support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and help you cope with your condition. They offer an open and safe environment where you can discuss your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.

Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements before joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help group without professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate more fluidly. You may consider the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.

Asking your doctor or therapist for recommendations is the best way to locate a support group. You should also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.

Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for people with social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being in front of a crowd of people can feel overwhelming. If you're worried about going to a meeting with a stranger, think about asking someone from your family or a friend to go with you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms.

A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't true or true at all. It can also help develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support organization should be taken with care and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.

Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders