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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people are nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically involve distress or fear in a majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or fear is not proportional to the actual risk of the situation. The fear could be specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety sufferers experience intense anxiety and stress that is insignificant to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for this condition. Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage your anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause you stress. This type of therapy typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions. The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, in which you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear. It can take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of 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 medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help in reducing your symptoms, but they should only be used in short-term situations. You and your doctor must consider the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others can increase the risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss the possibility that the medication might interfere with other medications or supplements that you are using, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Social anxiety disorder is a serious type of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. For those suffering from this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior to giving a speech in public or getting nervous about meeting new acquaintances; they are also plagued by the constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so limiting that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work, and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT is done in a group setting or with a counselor, and is typically mixed with other medications. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for example can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another way to help yourself. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people. It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as simple as an exercise in competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to every person at a party more than you did last time. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for example trying to speak to each person at a dinner party more than you did last time. Talk to your doctor even if you haven't sought assistance for social anxiety. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can offer you advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication isn't a cure for social anxiety however, it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the intensity of your anxiety. Medication If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that interferes with your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) that can help combat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that cause it. CBT can either be done by yourself or as part of the form of a group. Another type of psychotherapy is called exposure therapy, where a health professional guides you to 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 trigger changes in the brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take some time for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorder. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety and are addictive, which is why they are usually only prescribed for short durations or in certain circumstances, like prior to giving speech. There are numerous other types of medications that can treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants, as well as a group of drugs known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible adverse effects. It is crucial to keep taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the risk of a rebound. Support groups If you're a sufferer of social anxiety, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment in which you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. You can find support groups in person or online. Before joining any support group, take note of the structure and membership requirements. For example, some groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or operate more fluidly. You might be thinking about how many people will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy. The best way to choose the right support group is to seek suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You should 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 which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list of online and community support groups throughout 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 be overwhelming. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're concerned about attending on your own. There are support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling as well as discussion forums and chat rooms. A supportive group can help you cope with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support group must be used with caution and should not be used to replace the treatment plan suggested by your physician.