What Freud Can Teach Us About Anxiety Disorder

How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear could be specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual danger like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in a few instances, may lead to depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available to treat this disorder. Medications and psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop strategies to manage your anxiety and to change your negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed for this type of treatment. In person or online, you can access talking therapies. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that these situations might not be as dangerous as it seems. It can take several weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depression symptoms. 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 taken for short periods of time. Your doctor and you must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you're thinking of taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication may interact with other drugs or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort in social situations at times However, these emotions are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. The condition goes beyond just feeling nervous before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect all aspects 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 may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often combined medication. People who suffer from social anxiety should also be involved in activities they like. Exercise, for instance can help relieve stress and boost mood. Another method to help yourself is to be around positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people. Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, especially for those who have an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as battling yourself, for example trying to talk to everyone at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing against yourself, for instance trying to speak to each person at a dinner party more than you did the last time. Speak to your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for social anxiety. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional who can provide advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms. Medication Talk to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities or causing you to avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new skills for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a medical professional assists you in overcoming the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable 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 the brain which improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication begins working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be prescribed to people suffering from social anxiety disorder s. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are usually only used for short intervals or in certain situations, such as before giving speech. There are a variety of other kinds of drugs that can be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking and discuss any adverse effects that could occur. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to take your medication as prescribed. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of suffering a Relapse. Support groups If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and help you cope with your condition. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online. Consider the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, and 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. You might be thinking about how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy. The best way to choose a support group is to request suggestions from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been part of the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of online and community support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorder can make meeting strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of being in front of others can also be intimidating. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you are worried about going to meetings on your own. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms. A supportive group can help you cope with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you understand that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't accurate or true at all. It can also help develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support group should be used with caution and should not replace the treatment plan suggested by your physician.