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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel 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 defined by fear or distress when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The distress or fear is not proportional to the risk involved in the situation. The fear could be generalized or specific. Treatment Social anxiety sufferers are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is out of proportion to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or snubbed in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations, and in some cases depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this disorder. Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop coping skills to manage your anxiety and to change your negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you will collaborate to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. This type of treatment usually requires 12 to 16 sessions. Online or in person You can avail talking therapies. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situations may not be as risky as it seems. There are several types of medications that treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take a few weeks or even months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce 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 and clonazepam can also aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be used in short-term doses. Your doctor and you must consider the risks and benefits of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your suicide risk. Consider using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also discuss whether the medication may interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications your doctor needs to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times however, those emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For those suffering from this disorder, it's more than just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior giving a public speech or feeling anxious about meeting new people; they also have the constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety can be so limiting that it can impact every aspect of life, including home, work and relationships. There are, however, various self-help methods that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life. Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group, and is often combined with medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also participate in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another way to help yourself. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety, but it is beneficial to surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you may not see it yourself. It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as simple as an exercise in competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to every person at a gathering more than you did the last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn a degree in the field you are interested in. Speak to your general practitioner in the event that you haven't yet sought help for anxiety related to social. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication is not a cure for social anxiety, but it can help reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety. Medication Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. 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 you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can be used to treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new skills to deal with your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done alone or with a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where medical professionals help the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of avoiding or 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. high functioning anxiety disorder in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication begins working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to individuals suffering from social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are therefore only employed in situations that are short-term 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 known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most effective medication for you, in accordance with your symptoms and health issues. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you're taking and discuss any possible side effects that may occur. It is important to keep following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it increases the likelihood of suffering a relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. They offer an open and safe environment where you can discuss your struggles with people with the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups can be found in person or on the internet. Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and the membership requirements. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. It is also important to consider how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy. Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best method to find an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also use the resources offered 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 disorders can make meeting strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of being in front of others could be intimidating. If you're concerned about going to a meeting alone, consider asking someone from your family or a friend to go with 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 educating you that you're not alone and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't real or accurate. It can also help you develop positive attitudes 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 replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.