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How to Cope With Social Anxiety DisorderMany people are nervous 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 characterised by distress or fear when faced with social situations and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears can either be generalized or specific.TreatmentSocial anxiety disorder causes people to feel fear and distress beyond the actual danger. For instance they might be scared of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in some instances depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for this condition.Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping techniques for managing anxiety and changing negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause you stress. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.Online or in person You can avail the benefits of talking therapies. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that these situations might not be as hazardous as it seems.It could take months or even weeks for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depression symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications like alprazolam and clonazepam, can help relieve your symptoms. However, they should only be used for short periods of time.Your doctor and you must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep and certain medications 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 medicine could interact with any other supplements or drugs you are taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how serious your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.Self-helpEveryone feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations at times However, these experiences are different than 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 before giving a speech in public or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have a constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life, including work or relationships, as well as at home. There are many self-help techniques available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality.Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done in a group or with a psychotherapist, and is usually combined with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for instance, can reduce stress and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to spend time with positive people. This might be hard for someone who is anxious about social situations however it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you may not see it yourself.Taking on challenges is also an effective way to combat social anxiety, particularly for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as simple to compete with yourself. For instance try to speak to every person at a party longer than you did last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting an offer at work or going back to school for a degree in your area of interest.If you haven't sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations begin by speaking to your general practitioner. They can refer to a mental health professional who can provide advice and support. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can lessen the symptoms.MedicationIf you experience anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or major life changes, speak to an expert in health care. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to make sure that you don't have an unrelated medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety, they will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.IamPsychiatry (CBT) can teach you new skills to deal with your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of individuals in support groups. Exposure therapy is another form of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps a patient face things that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than avoid or absconding from 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 decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) could be prescribed for individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are typically only prescribed for short durations or in certain situations, like before giving an address.There are also other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication for you, in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking and discuss any adverse consequences that could arise. Even if you feel better, it is crucial to take your medication as prescribed. Stopping your medication suddenly could increase the chance of suffering a Relapse.Support groupsSupport groups can help you learn to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental atmosphere in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same disorder. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or online.Be aware of the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. Certain groups are supervised by mental health professionals, and others are self-help groups without professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might be thinking about the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll have.Asking your therapist or doctor for recommendations is the best way to locate a support group. You must also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from people who have participated in the group. You can also utilize the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list for online and community support groups throughout the United States, Canada and other countries.Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of standing in front of other people could be stressful. 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 on websites like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums, and chat rooms.A good support group will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not alone and aid you in understanding that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. 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 only be used with caution and should not be a substitute for the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.