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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorders typically include fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the actual risk in the situation. The fears could be specific or generalized. Treatment People with social anxiety disorder are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is not proportional to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some instances, can 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 learn ways to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Together, you and your therapist can build your confidence to tackle stressful situations. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions. The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. In this way, you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as hazardous as they seem. There are many types of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take a few weeks or even months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the intensity of 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 (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also help in reducing your symptoms, but should only be used for short-term use. When choosing a medication, you and your physician will need to evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each choice. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your counselor and you can discuss whether the medication could interfere with other medications or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how serious your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are in social situations However, these feelings are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than being nervous prior to giving an address 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 can be such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life. Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people to understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be done in a group or individually with a counselor, and is typically mixed with other medications. People suffering from social anxiety should also be able to participate in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is another way to help yourself. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety, but it can be beneficial if you surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty, even if you might not be able to be able to see it yourself. It is possible to conquer social anxiety by tackling challenges, especially if you are competitive. It could be as simple as to compete with yourself. For example, try to talk to every person at a party longer than you did the last time. It could also be as big as accepting an offer at work or going back to school to earn the degree you want in your field of interest. If you haven't sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking to your physician. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it can reduce the symptoms. Medication Talk to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities or causing you to avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to make sure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects you have a social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that trigger it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort instead of avoid or 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 trigger changes in your brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks for the medications to start working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may also benefit from benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety, and they can also be habit-forming, so they are typically only used for brief durations or in specific situations, like before giving speech. There are a variety of other kinds of medications that can help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the right medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you're taking, and discuss any side 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 relapse. 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 an unprejudiced and safe space in which you can discuss your concerns with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are accessible in person or online. Before joining a support group, consider the structure and membership requirements. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will be more fluid. You might also want to think about how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll have. The best way to choose the right support group is to seek recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also use resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for community and online support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders, and the possibility of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're concerned about going to meetings on your own. There are support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms. A supportive group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't accurate or distorted. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with care, and should not be a substitute for your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.