How to deal with social anxiety disorder?

Question

how do i handle social anxiety disorder with panic attacks? how are you supposed to handle any social situation with this disorder?

Answer 1

The main way to combat social anxiety disorder, as with most, if not all, of the anxiety disorders is utilising Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) (and in combination with meds is usually a good idea at first too).

Exposure therapy basically works like this.. You think of a list of situations which make you anxious.. You rate them in terms of how anxious they make you feel from best - worst.. and then you work on them ,starting at the least anxiety provoking, you start to do those things- this may be asking a stranger for the time, right up to asking someone if they'd like to go to a movie with you..etc.. And basically you complete these tasks, you feel the anxiety and you also realise that the anxiety fades with time, until you are desensitised.

Utilise this in combination with CBT - that is looking at you rthoughts - why do you feel anxious abt social situations?

Social situation --> thought ---> Response (anxiety)

So if you can alter the thought to a more functional thought, you can also alter the response, so it is no longer anxiety.

i.e. I see a good looking guy -> he will think I am stupid if i tlak to him --> anxiety and avoidance..

v.s.

I see him --> what have i got to lose talking to him, who cares what he thinks, he's not worth it if he judges so fast --> calm enough to talk to him...

That is in it's most simplistic terms.. If your Social Anxiety is really a huge issue and impacting on your life then consider seeing a Psychologist to work on it - and you'll probably utilise the techniques above.

Good luck!! :)

Answer 2

The Road to Recovery
By learning about social anxiety disorder, you've taken the first step on the road to recovery. Next, seek help from a doctor, or if you've already seen a doctor, stick with your treatment plan and take one day at a time. These points may help you on your way:

1. Don't let others discourage you or tell you to "snap out of it." There's no need to be ashamed; you should take social anxiety disorder as seriously as you would any other illness
2. Learn as much as you can about social anxiety disorder. This booklet is a good start. Visit the library or various Internet Web sites, read the books listed on the following pages or ask your doctor for more information. You can also get plenty of information from the national support organizations listed at the back of this booklet.
3. Seek support from others. Because of the very nature of social anxiety disorder, this may be difficult for you. However, many people who have joined social anxiety disorder support groups, or have spoken to others with social anxiety disorder, find it a very helpful and positive experience
4. Take an active role in your recovery. If you haven't felt any improvement after a few months of therapy, feel free to discuss a change in your treatment program with your doctor


Most importantly, know that you can overcome social anxiety disorder. Keep a goal in mind, whether it's to speak to a group of people, ask someone for a date, go to a party or make new friends. Recovery may take work, but it's well worth the effort.

Answer 3

I deal with both social anxiety disorder and clinical depression.
It has been extremely difficult for me of late.
I tend to isolate, and remain in my home for days and weeks on end.
So my coping mechanism has been to avoid all social situations as much as possible.
But I wish I felt better to enjoy my life.
If you feel like you can handle a modified version of things you could handle and enjoy, I would encourage you to do so, because this can be a very lonely disorder.
I wish you the very best!

Answer 4

make eye contact when speaking to another. There is nothing wrong with being quiet. But should talk to people that has your interest in hand not to just pass the time and can't stand. But i find just being nice regardless of how arrogant others can be is a good way to maintain your composure and not take to heart and just see them as the way they are and are like that with everyone but don't let your self be an easy target and learn to speak up when necessary and be direct so they know at least your not an easy target and maybe they will have some respect. it's always good to change your thinking if phobia involved and practice is the only way to achieve.

Answer 5

its hard to do .......... i thinkthe panic attacks are ahrder than being labelled...... as far as handling it one day at a time lots of support from ur family and friends. id reccomend a psychologist and a doctor for meds such as attivan or clonazapam . for the anxiety, paxil has been known to help s.a.d. .... u handle the social situations gently and carefully b/c they can cause set backs.
if u can try desensitization which is where u do somethign over and over and over again til u no longer fear it . u do it in little steps and a shrink is more likely to be helpfulin this regard.also talk about it with ppl u trust ppl who have gone through it .
feel free to email me if u'd like .
Good Luck !

Answer 6

There are medications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)- they are the SNRI class of anti-depressants.
Have you ever been on a benzodiazepine for panic attacks such as Xanax?

Answer 7

Its all in your head. Visualize yourself in a social situation being very calm. Now convince yourself it can be and will be done. Don't think about it. Don't let any negative thoughts in your head. Convince you self its all in your head. Nothing is stopping you except you.

But you are in controll over your anxiety, not the other way around. You need to realize that. Beat this into your head. And make steady progress.

Answer 8

Clonazepam and Paxil and all such toxics do _MORE_ than just mellow you out.

If you like s-l-o-o-o-o-w-w-w-w-w-w slurred speech and body chemistry chaos go for it. Otherwise do someting novel.

Fall in love with yourself. Learn to like the fellow / girl u see in the mirror. Learn to live inside your body. Learn to eat better, healthier, exercize wisely, learn to relax, learn massaging yourself ( NON-SEXUALLY ! ).

In short, come and live in the one HOUSE you were given at birth, the onyl one you'll ever have. You'll feel grateful for your life and thankful to The One who gave to you.

It may be hard at first, force of habit, or rather negative / destructive addiction, but with God's help it can be done.

You can become a happy well adjusted and friendly person don't lose heart.

Answer 9

i also have this!! it drives me nuts b/c i have social anxiety. You just have tp forget what people think, and do whats best for you. Don't be scared, because each day we live soon depends a memeroy

Answer 10

Paxil for long term and for an immediate relief Clonenzapam really helps to mellow you out. If you have someone to talk to like a best friend that is always a option. Try to make yourself busy to get your mind off of things. All of these help me get by