15 Amazing Facts About Anxiety Disorder

How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is characterised by fear or distress when confronted with situations in which people are performing or social. The fear or distress is out of proportion to the actual risk of the situation. The fears could be general or specific. Treatment Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel fear and distress beyond the actual risk. For instance they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this disorder. Medications and psychotherapy can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can increase your confidence to face difficult situations. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment. Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they seem. It could take weeks or even months for medications to start 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 medications, such as alprazolam and clonazepam, can aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken in short-term doses. Your doctor and you must consider the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase your suicide risk. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medication your doctor will also need to determine how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort in social situations sometimes However, these emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving a speech in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it affects all aspects of life, including home, work and relationships. There are a myriad of self-help strategies that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life. Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT is done in a group or with a psychotherapist, and is usually mixed with other medications. People with social anxiety should also participate in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance, can reduce stress and boost mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations, but it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you might not be able to be able to see it yourself. It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on challenges, especially if you are competitive. It could be as easy as a competition with yourself. For example, try to talk to everyone at a party longer than you did the previous time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at a dinner event more than you did the last time. If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your general practitioner. They may refer you to a mental health professional who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety, but it can reduce the symptoms. Medication If you experience anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform a physical examination to ensure that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from social anxiety, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new skills for dealing with anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that cause anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, in which a medical professional helps you gradually face the things that cause you 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 can cause changes in the brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take some time before the medication starts working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could also be prescribed to people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They should only be used in short-term situations or when needed. There are numerous other types of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also discuss any possible adverse effects. Even even if you feel better it is important to follow the medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase your risk of having a relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment where you can talk about your issues with other people who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet. Consider the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some support groups are run by mental health professionals and others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or will be more fluid. You might want to think about the number of people who will be there and how much privacy they'll enjoy. Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best way to locate an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of standing in front of other people can be a bit stressful. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're concerned about attending alone. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling, discussion forums, and a chat room. A supportive group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't accurate or accurate. It can also help you develop more positive mindset and build techniques to manage your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support organization should be taken with care and should not be used to replace the recommended treatment plan of your healthcare provider.