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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is defined by distress or fear when confronted by performance or social situations. The distress or fear in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual danger. For instance they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases depression or other health issues. There are many treatments available to treat 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 develop strategies to manage your anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can help you build confidence to tackle stressful situations. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions. Online or in person You can avail the benefits of talking therapies. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can help your brain accept that the situations may not be as risky as they seem. There are several types of drugs that treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the severity of your anxiety. They can also help with 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 (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used for short-term use. Your doctor and you must consider the risks and benefits of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others can increase your suicide risk. Consider 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 you are using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to know how severe your social phobia is, and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a severe form of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. The condition goes beyond being nervous prior to giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about 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. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people to understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be conducted individually with a therapist or in a group, and it is often combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be able to participate in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and boost mood. Another method to help yourself is to be around positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations, but it is beneficial to surround yourself with people who love you and see your beauty even though you may not be able to see it yourself. It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on challenges, especially if you are competitive. It could be as simple as a competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to everyone at a party longer than you did last time. Or, it could be as simple as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for a degree in the field you are interested in. If you haven't yet sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your physician. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can give you advice and support. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not a cure for social anxiety however, it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of anxiety. Medication If you experience anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily routine, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can be used to treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new skills for dealing with anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or as part of the form of a group. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps patients confront things that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable instead of avoiding 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 signal changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for people suffering from social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are typically only used for short intervals or in certain situations, like before giving speech. There are a variety of other kinds of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. It is essential to keep following the prescribed dosage even if you're feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it increases the likelihood of having a relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. panic anxiety disorder provide an open and safe environment where you can talk about your struggles with people who have the same condition. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or on the internet. Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and the requirements for membership. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help group without professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will meet regularly or will be more fluid. You may also want to think about how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy. The best method to select a support group is to ask for recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews of various groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also utilize the resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people with social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being in front of a large group of people can be overwhelming. Consider asking 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, discussion forums, and a chat room. A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not alone and will aid you in understanding that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. It can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop skills to deal with your social anxiety. However, any advice you receive from a support group should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan suggested by your physician.