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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is characterised by anxiety or distress when confronted with social situations and performance situations. The distress or fear is out of proportion to the risk involved in the situation. The fear can be general or specific. Treatment People with social anxiety disorder feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations, and in some instances, may lead to depression or other health problems. There are a variety of treatments available to treat this problem. Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and alter negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are necessary for this type of treatment. 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, in which you gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear. There are several types of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorder, but they can take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the severity of your anxiety. They can also ease the symptoms of depression. 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), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but should only be used short-term. When choosing a medication, you and your doctor must weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medication could interact with any other drugs or supplements you're taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medication your doctor needs to understand how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a serious form of anxiety that is very uncomfortable. This disorder is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant anxiety about being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so severe that it can impact every aspect of life, including home, work and relationships. There are many self-help techniques that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their quality. Self-help includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. People suffering from social anxiety should also try to engage in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for instance, can relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people. Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance, trying to talk to everyone at an event more times than you did last time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner event more than you did the last time. If you haven't yet sought treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your physician. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Medication is not a cure for social anxiety however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of anxiety. Medication Consult your physician if you are experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities, or making you avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to ensure that you don't suffer from a medical condition that is distinct. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can help treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new strategies to tackle anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done alone or with a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy, where medical professionals help the patient confront issues that make them feel anxious and uncomfortable 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 trigger changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication begins working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be used for some individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to decrease anxiety and can be addictive, which is why they are typically only used for brief periods of time or on-demand in specific situations, like before giving speech. There are many other types of medications that can be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best medication for you, based on symptoms and other health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take and discuss any adverse effects that may occur. Even if you feel better, it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly increases the likelihood of having a relapse. Support groups If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to cope with your condition. These groups provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum where you can discuss your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. Support groups can be found in person or online. Before joining any support group, take note of its structure and the membership requirements. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more flexible basis. You may consider the number of people there and how much privacy they'll enjoy. Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to locate an appropriate support group. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also make use of the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list of online and community support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers an intimidating experience. The thought of being in front of other people could be stressful. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about attending on your own. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums and chat rooms. A good support group can help you deal with social anxiety by educating you that you're not the only one and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't real or true at all. It can also help you develop an optimistic attitude and the abilities to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with care, and should not replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.