14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Anxious To Ask Anxiety Disorder

How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is defined by distress or fear when confronted by social situations and performance situations. The fear or distress is insignificant to the actual risk in the situation. The fears can be either specific or generalized. Treatment People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations or, in some cases depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this disorder. Medications and psychotherapy can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop strategies to manage your anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions. In person or online In person or online, you can get access to talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a common form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem. There are a variety of drugs that treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take a few weeks or even months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibiters like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can 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 and clonazepam, can aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be used in short-term doses. When choosing a medication you and your doctor will have to weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep and others can increase the risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or psychologist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medicine might interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, for example, herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how serious your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times, but those emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this disorder, it's more than just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a public speech or being nervous about making new acquaintances; they are also plagued by the constant fear that others will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety can be so limiting that it affects all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there is many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their lives. Self-help includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT is done in a group or individually with a psychotherapist, and is usually mixed with other medications. Social anxiety sufferers should also try to engage in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can help reduce stress and boost 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. The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those who have 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 party more than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for instance trying to speak to everyone at a dinner party more than you did last time. If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your general practitioner. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication is not a cure for social anxiety however, it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of anxiety. Medication If you experience anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily routine, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct an examination to confirm that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety, he will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can be used to treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new techniques for managing anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that cause it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a medical professional helps you gradually face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort instead of trying to avoid 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 boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication begins working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder might benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety, and they can also be habit-forming, and are usually only used for brief durations or in certain situations, such as before giving speech. There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants and the class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate treatment for you based on symptoms and other health conditions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also discuss any potential adverse effects. Even if you feel better, it is important to follow the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of suffering 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 provide an open and safe environment where you can talk about your concerns with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or online. Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements before joining. For generalized anxiety disorder , some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or be more fluid. You may also want to consider how many people will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy. The best way to choose the right support group is to seek recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide lists of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders. The possibility of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're concerned about attending alone. You can also find support groups through a website like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums. A supportive group can help you cope with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't accurate or accurate. It can also help develop a positive attitude and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution, and should not be used to replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.