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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorders typically include fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress is not proportional to the risk involved in the situation. The fears could be general or specific. Treatment People with social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is not proportional to the actual danger like being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. There are many treatment options available to treat this disorder. Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will collaborate to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required to receive this kind of treatment. The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a common method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem. It could take months or even weeks for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can reduce your anxiety. They can also help with your depressive symptoms. 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 for short periods of time. Your doctor and you should evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication before choosing one. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of using an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication, your doctor will need to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times However, these feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help people with this condition improve their lives. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a group or with a therapist, and is often combined medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. This can be difficult for someone with social anxiety, but it is beneficial to surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you might not be able to recognize it. In addition, taking on challenges can be an effective way to combat social anxiety, especially for those with a competitive nature. It could be as simple a competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to everyone at a party more than you did the last time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did last time. If you haven't yet sought treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your physician. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medicines do not cure social anxiety, but it can lessen the symptoms. Medication If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to make sure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new skills to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of it. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy where medical professionals help a patient face things that create anxiety and discomfort rather than avoid 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 cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It may take some time for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorders . These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only used in short-term situations or when needed. There are many other types of medicines that help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants and a class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you, based on symptoms and other health conditions. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any possible adverse reactions. It is essential to keep following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication increases the likelihood of suffering a rebound. Support groups If you're a sufferer of social anxiety, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. They provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or on the internet. Before joining a support group, consider the structure of the group and its the requirements for membership. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help group without professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or be more fluid. You might be thinking about how many people will be there and how much privacy they'll enjoy. A therapist or doctor asking for recommendations is the best way to locate an organization that can help you. 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, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of standing in front of people can be a bit overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about going to meetings on your own. Support groups can be found on websites such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms. A good support group can help you deal with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't real or accurate. It can also help develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support group must be taken with care and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.