What Freud Can Teach Us About Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress is out of proportion to the risk involved in the situation. The fear can be general or specific. Treatment Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed out of proportion with the actual danger. For example they might be scared of being judged or embarrassed in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations and, in some instances depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this disorder. Psychotherapy and medication can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping techniques for managing anxiety and changing negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment. Talking therapies are available either in person or online. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they appear. There are a variety of medications that treat social anxiety disorder however, they may take weeks or months to get started. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They may 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 help alleviate your symptoms. However they should only be taken short-term. When choosing a medication you and your doctor must evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your risk of suicide. Consider panic anxiety disorder of taking an antidepressant with a counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication might interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how serious your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a serious form of anxiety that is very uncomfortable. This condition is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are many self-help techniques available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality. Self-help includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be performed in a private session with a therapist or in a group, and it is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for instance can ease anxiety and improve mood. Spending panic anxiety disorder with people who are positive is another way to help yourself. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people. In addition, taking on challenges can be 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 instance try to talk to everyone at a party longer than you did last time. It could also be as simple as accepting an offer at work or going back to school to earn the degree you want in the field you are interested in. If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety Begin by talking to your general practitioner. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication is not the only solution to social anxiety, but it can help alleviate symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety. Medication If you experience anxiety and fear that affects your daily routine, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and will conduct an examination to ensure that you don't have an unrelated medical issue. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are several types 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 trigger it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy, where medical professionals help patients confront things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable rather than abstaining from 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. These antidepressants trigger changes in your brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medications to start working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder may also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are usually only used for brief periods of time or on-demand in specific circumstances, like prior to giving speech. There are a variety of other kinds of medicines that help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication for you, based on symptoms and other health conditions. 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 essential to keep following the prescribed dosage, even if you are feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase your risk of an Relapse. Support groups If you're a sufferer of social anxiety, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. They offer an unprejudiced and safe space in which you can discuss your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Support groups are accessible in person or online. Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its the requirements for membership. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate more fluidly. You may also want to think about how many members will be present and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy. The best method of choosing the right support group is to ask for suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews about different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders , and the possibility of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about going to a meeting alone, consider asking someone from your family or a friend to join you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling, discussion forums, and a chat room. A good support group can help you deal with your social anxiety by educating you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't true or true at all. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and skills to deal effectively with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.