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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is defined by fear or distress when confronted by situations in which people are performing or social. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual danger. For instance they might be scared of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in a few cases, can develop into depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this condition. Psychotherapy and medications can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required to receive this kind of treatment. In person or online In person or online, you can get access to talking therapies. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. In panic anxiety disorder , you can teach your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they may appear. There are several types of drugs that treat social anxiety disorder However, they can take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors like paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline can help reduce 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 medications such as alprazolam and clonazepam may aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term. When choosing a medication you and your physician will need to weigh the benefits and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep and others can increase the risk of suicide. Discuss the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interact with other drugs or supplements you're using, such as herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication your doctor will also need to understand how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort when they are in social situations however, those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this disorder, it's not only a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior giving a speech in public or being nervous about making new people; they also have an unending fear that people will judge them or embarrass them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can affect every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. There are a variety of self-help methods that can help those suffering from social anxiety disorder improve their lives. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT is done in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically combined medication. People with social anxiety should also participate in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can help relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is another way to help yourself. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people. It is possible to conquer social anxiety by tackling challenges, especially if you are competitive. It could be as easy as to compete with yourself. For instance try to talk to every person at a party longer than you did last time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for example, trying to talk to everyone at a dinner event more than you did the last time. Consult your general practitioner even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Medication isn't a cure for anxiety in social situations however, it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the severity of anxiety. Medication Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or fear that is interfering with your daily activities or causing you to avoid certain situations, or major life changes. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct an examination to confirm that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many types of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new techniques to manage anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to it. CBT can be performed by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. where a health 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 can cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It may take some time before the medications begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can also be used for some people suffering from social anxiety disorder. These drugs can decrease anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are therefore only used in short-term situations or when needed. There are a variety of other kinds of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you, in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you're taking, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed even if you're feeling better. Suddenly stopping your medication can increase your chances of relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide an open and safe environment where you can talk about your concerns with other people with the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or online. Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its the membership requirements. For instance, some support groups are supervised by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or operate more fluidly. It is also important to consider how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy. Asking your therapist or doctor for recommendations is the best way to locate a support group. You should also read reviews about various groups and request feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize resources provided by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for community and online support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the thought of sitting in front of a large group of people can feel overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're concerned about going to meetings on your own. Support groups can be found on websites like Support Groups Central. This website has audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms. A good support 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 thoughts you have about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help develop positive attitudes and abilities to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution and should not be a substitute for the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.