5 Killer Quora Answers On Anxiety Disorder
How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically involve distress or fear in the majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can be either general or specific.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is not proportional to the actual danger, such as being embarrassed or snubbed in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, can develop into depression or other health problems. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medications 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 change negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you work together to increase your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. Typically 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary to receive this kind of treatment.
Online or in person You can avail the benefits of talking therapies. Exposure therapy is a common type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. Through this, you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as hazardous as they seem.
There are many types of medications used to treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can help reduce anxiety. They may 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 drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help in reducing your symptoms but should only be used short-term.
You and your doctor 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. Consider taking an antidepressant with a therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication may interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how serious your social phobia is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a severe type of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. This condition is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating that it affects every aspect of life including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there is a variety of self-help techniques that can help people with this condition improve their lives.
Self-help is a form of therapy that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps people to understand anxiety and alter the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done in a group or with a therapist, and is often combined medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also try to engage in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example can ease stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. 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 easy as an exercise in competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to everyone at a party longer than you did the last time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example trying to speak to everyone at a dinner party longer than you did the last time.
Talk to your doctor even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of anxiety.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and fear that affects your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, consult an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and will conduct an examination to make sure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from social anxiety, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new strategies to tackle your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that lead to it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in an organization that supports you. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy in which the healthcare professional assists patients confront things that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than avoiding 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 several weeks before the medications begin working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorder. These drugs can decrease anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only utilized in short-term scenarios or on demand.
There are numerous 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 best medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking and discuss any possible side consequences that could arise. Even if disorders anxiety feel better, it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the chance of a relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxiety sufferer support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can talk about your concerns with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements before joining. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. It is also important to think about how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to find an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have been part of the group. You can also make use of the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list for community and online support groups throughout the United States, Canada and other countries.
Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of being in front of other people can be a bit overwhelming. If you're nervous about attending a gathering by yourself, you might want to ask an acquaintance or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups through websites like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms and discussion forums.
A great support group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will show you that you are not alone and assist you in recognizing that negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a more positive mindset and build 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 recommended by your healthcare provider.