How do I start the ball rolling to combat Social Anxiety?

Question

Any advice? Thanks!

Answer 1

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression.
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 2

Some brands of antidepressants are advertised as treating social anxiety, but a better choice might be a few counseling sessions

Answer 3

Lexapro. Also, get a trusted and understanding friend or family member to help you ease into social situations. Have them give you support, and be ready to help you withdraw from the crowd the INSTANT you feel the need to. You can do this. It will take some time, but you can do it.

Answer 4

look up G.A.D. and start therpy and see your doctor and get the ball rolling to start to feel better.


Treatment options for social anxiety disorder
In situations where social anxiety disorder is minor, or where people are able to overcome their fears so they do not limit their interactions, treatment may not be necessary. However, people with social anxiety disorder typically do not get better on their own and more severe cases may require treatment. Psychotherapy, use of medications or a combination of both approaches may be used to treat social anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy is likely to focus on reducing anxieties and fears and managing reactions to fear-inducing stimuli. Treatment sessions may be in individual or group settings. Group therapy is known to be particularly effective for those with social anxiety disorder.

Cognitive behavior therapy is used to treat social anxiety disorder. It involves learning new skills to react differently to situations that typically trigger anxiety. Patients also learn more about negative thinking patterns that increase anxiety and ways to redirect such thinking. In addition, patients may be gradually exposed to situations that are frightening and in which they can test new coping skills with the help of a professional. This is known as exposure therapy.

Medications may also be prescribed to help reduce the anxiety that patients feel. Antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline, paroxetine and fluoxetine are usually effective in treating anxiety disorders, even in patients who are not depressed. These drugs usually take several weeks to work, so patients should not become discouraged if they do not notice immediate improvement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently noted that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents, and that people being treated with these drugs should be closely monitored for unusual changes in behavior.

Anti-anxiety medications such as the benzodiazepines clonazepam and alprazolam may also be prescribed. They generally are used only for short periods of time because of their addiction potential. Patients should not stop using anti-anxiety medications unless under the close supervision of a physician because this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia or nightmares. More serious symptoms can include seizures, high fever, psychosis and even death.

Beta-blocker medications – which are typically used to treat heart conditions – are also effective in treating social anxiety disorder. These medications work by blocking the stimulating effect of the hormone adrenaline. Patients who know in advance that they soon will be in an anxiety-provoking situation – such as giving a speech in public – may use beta-blockers to reduce symptoms, such as a pounding heart or trembling hands.

In addition, a recent study reported that the antibiotic drug D-cycloserine, commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis, may also help improve symptoms of social anxiety disorder. D-cycloserine has previously been shown to reduce symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and improve social and communication skills in children with autism. Further research and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.


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Answer 5

I had to go to a psych doctor and get on meds cuz I had anxiety so bad. it is much better today.

Answer 6

Talk to a trusted family dr.

Answer 7

I have to take pills. They help a lot.
Although it is by no means cured.
Well, there is no cure that I know of.

Answer 8

Talk to your doctor

Answer 9

www.chainsofmyself.org