Five Killer Quora Answers To Anxiety Disorder

How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is defined by fear or distress when faced with situations in which people are performing or social. The anxiety or stress in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears could be specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed out of proportion with the actual danger. For example they might be scared of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations, and in some instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this disorder. Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop ways to manage your anxiety and change negative thinking patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to handle stressful situations. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required to receive this kind of treatment. Talking therapies are available either in person or online. Exposure therapy is a typical form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself social situations which cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situation might not be as risky as they appear. There are panic anxiety disorder of medications that treat social anxiety disorders, but they can take weeks or months to get started. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They may also help your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also help to reduce your symptoms, but should only be used short-term. When choosing a medication you and your physician will need to evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each choice. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you're thinking of taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you can also consider whether the medication could interact with any other drugs or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life. Self-help Everyone experiences anxiety or discomfort in social situations at times however, those experiences are different than those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing fear of being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety can be so debilitating that it affects all aspects of life, including work, home, and relationships. There are a myriad of self-help strategies available to help sufferers of social anxiety disorder improve their quality. Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people to understand anxiety and alter the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done in a group or with a counselor, and is typically mixed with other medications. People suffering from social anxiety should also try to engage in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for example can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with positive people is a different self-help method. It can be challenging for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people. Taking on challenges is also an effective way to combat social anxiety, particularly for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as easy as a competition with yourself. For instance, try to talk to everyone at a gathering more than you did last time. It could also be as large as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school to earn an education in the field you are interested in. If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking to your physician. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it does reduce the symptoms. Medication If you experience anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily routine, or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, consult a health care provider. 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 that you have a social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can be used to treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new skills to deal with anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 trigger changes in the brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medications begin working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may also be used for some people with social anxiety disorders. These medications can reduce anxiety rapidly and eventually become habit-forming. They are therefore only used in short-term situations or on demand. There are a variety of other kinds of medicines that help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs referred to as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication for you, based on symptoms and other health issues. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any potential adverse effects. It is crucial to continue taking your medication as prescribed even if you're feeling better. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, it can increase your chances of having a relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. These groups offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can talk about your issues with other people who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups can be found in person or online. Before joining a support group, consider its structure and membership requirements. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more flexible basis. You might be thinking about how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll have. The best method of choosing the right support group is to ask for recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide lists of community and online support groups for anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries. Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people with social anxiety disorders, and the thought of sitting in front of a crowd of people can be overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can also find support groups through a website like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums, chat rooms, and discussion forums. A good support group will aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not alone and assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop more positive attitude and develop skills to deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with caution, and should not be used to replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.