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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically include fear or distress in most social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can be either specific or generalized. Treatment Social anxiety sufferers feel intense fear and distress that is out of proportion to the actual risk that they face, for example, feeling shamed or humiliated in public. These feelings can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for this condition. Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and to change your negative thinking patterns. Together, you and your therapist can increase your confidence to tackle difficult situations. This type of therapy typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions. The therapy of talking can be done in person or online. Exposure therapy is a popular method of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to social situations which cause you to feel uncomfortable. In this way you can show your brain that the situations aren't as risky as they may appear. It could 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 severity 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 to reduce your symptoms, but should only be used for short-term use. When deciding on a medication, you and your doctor must weigh the benefits and risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also discuss whether the medication could interact with any other supplements or drugs you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medicines your doctor will also need to determine how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life. Self-help Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes however, those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. For someone who has this condition, it's not just a matter of feeling butterflies in the stomach prior giving a speech in public or getting nervous about meeting new acquaintances; they are also plagued by the constant fear that others will judge them or shame them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it affects every aspect of life, including home, work and relationships. There are, however, various self-help methods that can help people with this condition improve their lives. Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be conducted in a private session with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be able to participate in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for example can help relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with people who are positive is another way to help yourself. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to be around positive people. Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. It could be as simple an exercise in competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to every person at a party more than you did the last time. It could be as simple as competing against yourself, for example trying to talk to each person at a dinner party longer than you did the last time. If you haven't had treatment for your anxiety about social situations, start by talking to your doctor. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. Medication isn't the only solution to social anxiety, but it can help lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of your anxiety. Medication Speak to your doctor in case you are suffering from anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily routine, or making you avoid certain situations, or making you avoid major life changes. Your doctor will ask 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 social anxiety, he will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new skills to manage anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of it. CBT can be done alone or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy in which the healthcare professional assists 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication starts working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, so they are usually only prescribed for short periods of time or on-demand 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, as well as the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective treatment for you depending on your symptoms and other health conditions. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication, supplements or vitamins. Also discuss any possible adverse reactions. Even when you feel better, it is crucial to take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase the chance of a Relapse. Support groups Support groups can help you understand how to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which you can discuss your issues with others who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and increase your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet. Consider the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might also want to consider how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy. A therapist or doctor asking for suggestions is the best method to find an organization that can help you. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a directory of community and online support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries. Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The idea of standing in front of people could be stressful. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're concerned about attending alone. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums, chat rooms and discussion forums. A supportive group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by teaching you that you're not alone and helping you understand that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't real or accurate. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and skills to deal effectively with your social anxieties. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with caution and should not be used to replace the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.