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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. When these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is defined by anxiety or distress when confronted by situations in which people are performing or social. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the actual risk of the situation. The fear can be general or specific. Treatment Social anxiety sufferers are afflicted with intense anxiety and fear that is out of proportion to the actual risk, such as being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for this condition. Psychotherapy and medication can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral treatment) can aid in developing coping strategies 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. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions. Talking therapies are available either in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a common type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that these situations might not be as risky as it seems. It could take weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can help you reduce your anxiety. They can also ease your depressive 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) can also help in reducing your symptoms but should only be used for short-term use. When choosing a medication you and your doctor will have to evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. Consider taking an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your therapist and you can also discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements you are using, such as herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medication, your doctor will need to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a severe type of anxiety that can make you extremely uncomfortable. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it affects all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT is done in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be able to participate in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to spend time with positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations however it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with people who love you and see your beauty even though you may not recognize it. The act of taking on challenges is an effective way to combat social anxiety, particularly for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as easy as an exercise in competition with yourself. For instance try to talk to every person at a party more than you did the last time. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for instance trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party longer 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 you to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Medication is not an effective treatment for social anxiety however, it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of your 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 making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform an examination to confirm that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects you have a social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to a mental health professional. There are a variety of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new skills for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be conducted on your own or in the form of a group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy in which a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that create anxiety and discomfort rather than avoid 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 signal changes in your brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take some time before the medication starts working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder may also benefit from benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are, therefore, only used in short-term situations or when needed. There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and a class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you depending on your symptoms and other health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take, and discuss any side consequences that could arise. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of Relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum in which you can discuss your struggles with people with the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet. Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some groups are run by mental health professionals while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or operate more fluidly. It is also important to think about how many members will be present and how much privacy you'll have. The best method of choosing a support group is to request suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You must also read reviews of various groups and request feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of community and online support groups throughout the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of being in front of people can be a bit intimidating. If you're nervous about going to a meeting by yourself, you might want to ask a friend or family member to accompany you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups via websites such as Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms and discussion forums. A great support group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not the only one, and it will assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help develop a positive attitude and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. 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.