10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear or distress when faced with performance or social situations. The anxiety or fear is insignificant to the actual risk of the situation. The fear can be specific or generalized. Treatment People suffering from social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual risk, such as being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings cause them to avoid 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 medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can increase your confidence to tackle stressful situations. This kind of treatment 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, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that these situations might not be as risky as they seem. 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 like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can help reduce anxiety. They may also help your depression symptoms. 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 may aid in relieving your symptoms. However they should only be used for short periods of time. Your doctor and you must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medicine could interact with any other medications or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to know how severe your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times however, those experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this condition, it's not just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior giving a speech in public or being nervous about making new people; they also have the constant fear that others will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating that it can affect every aspect of life, including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives. Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed individually with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also be able to participate in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for instance can ease stress and boost mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another way to help yourself. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety 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 easy as competing with yourself, for example or trying to speak to everyone at a dinner party more times than you did the last time. Or, it could be as big as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for an education in your field of interest. Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Medicines do not cure social anxiety, but it does reduce the symptoms. Medication Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and will conduct a physical examination to ensure that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new skills to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of it. CBT can either be done by yourself or in the form of a group. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of avoid or absconding from 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 signal changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It may take some time before the medication starts working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only utilized in short-term scenarios or as needed. There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants and the class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most appropriate medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take and discuss any possible side consequences that could arise. Even if you feel better, it is crucial to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly could increase the chance of rebound. Support groups If you're a social anxiety sufferer support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. They provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your emotions and increase your life quality. Support groups are available in person or on the internet. Consider the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You may want to think about the number of people there and how much privacy they'll have. The best way to choose the right support group is to ask for suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have lists of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of being in front of other people can also be overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can also find support groups on websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums, and chat rooms. generalized anxiety disorder can help you cope with your social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you have about yourself aren't accurate or distorted. It can also help you develop a more positive attitude and develop strategies to manage your social anxiety. However any advice you receive from a support group should be treated with caution and should not replace the treatment plan recommended by your physician.