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Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it may be a sign of 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 out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be general or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed out of proportion with the actual risk. For instance they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some instances, may lead to depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to increase your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. This kind of treatment typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
In person or online In person or online, you can get access to therapy sessions via a chat. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this, you can teach your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
There are several types of drugs that treat social anxiety disorders, but they can take weeks or months to start working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity 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, like alprazolam and clonazepam can also help relieve your symptoms. However, they should only be used for short periods of time.
Your doctor and you must 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. If you're thinking of taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also discuss whether the medication may interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is, and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations, but those experiences are different than those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. If you suffer from this disorder, it's not only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a public speech or being nervous about making new people; they also have a constant fear that others will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety can be so severe that it can affect all aspects of life, including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there is many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT is done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People who suffer from social anxiety should also engage in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for example, can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another self-help technique. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple a competition with yourself. For example try to speak to every person at a party more than you did last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for an education in the field you are interested in.
Talk to your doctor even if you haven't sought assistance for anxiety related to social. They can refer to a mental health professional who can offer advice and support. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Medication is not a cure for social anxiety however it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination to ensure that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new techniques to manage anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety eating disorder. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in an organization that supports you. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable, rather than 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 could take several weeks before the medication starts working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are therefore only employed in situations that are short-term or on demand.
There are many other types of medications that can treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies you suffer from. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication or supplements. Also discuss any possible side effects. It is important to continue following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. Stopping your medication suddenly could increase the chance of having a Relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can discuss your struggles with people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or online.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. For example, some groups are run by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or if it will be more fluid. You might also want to consider how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
A therapist or doctor asking for suggestions is the best method to find an appropriate support group. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide lists of community and online support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders 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 be a bit intimidating. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're worried about attending alone. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A good support group can help you cope with social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't real or distorted. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. However any advice you get from a support group must be taken with care and should not replace the recommended treatment plan of your physician.