So, you have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Now comes the hard part: deciding which therapy is right for you. There are many options out there, from medication to self-help books, group therapy to yoga. Below is a short guide to help you decide which path is right for you:
The first option is to see a psychiatrist or psychologist for social anxiety therapy. The typical approach is cognitive behavioral therapy. This means that your therapist will help you deal with your symptoms by changing your thought processes and behavior patterns. You’ll learn new ways to cope with social situations, how to better handle public speaking, and how to relax when under stress. Generally, you should receive at least 12 to 16 treatment sessions with a therapist.
Another option is medication. There are many medications available, from antidepressants to benzodiazepines to azapirones. These can help to reduce panic attacks and improve your mood. However, medications are not appropriate for everyone. Some people may not be able to take them because of their heart problems or other medical conditions.
Self-help books are also popular, as they often deal with core beliefs that lead to social phobias. These usually include the idea that certain social situations are dangerous or uncomfortable. Books like this vary in effectiveness. Some focus on what specific social situations trigger an attack and some focus on describing the way you think about and behave in those situations. Some of these books are excellent, especially if you are able to identify your core beliefs and challenge them. Others will not help at all.
One of the most effective forms of social anxiety therapy is called cognitive restructuring. It is based on the idea that social anxiety occurs when a person is focusing on negative or confusing thoughts, rather than focusing on the positive or calming hot thoughts. This mental distortion is then used to justify avoidance of social situations. Cognitive restructuring involves changing how you think and apply your thoughts so that you can work through your discomfort. This type of therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional medications.
There are other alternative methods of treating social anxiety disorders, as well. Many people have found success through a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive restructuring, or deep breathing exercises. You can also do yoga or meditation. Many alternative treatment options can be used together with traditional treatments to maximize results and minimize side effects. Of course, it’s important that you discuss these options with your doctor before deciding on which course of action is right for you.
No matter which method you choose, you can make progress toward overcoming social anxiety in a variety of ways. If you find that you are easily startled by unpleasant social situations, medications can help make progress toward solving your problem. If you find that avoiding social situations will not help you deal with your problem, consider alternate means such as cognitive restructuring or deep breathing exercises to help make progress toward overcoming your problem.
If you think this could be a disorder for you, please seek help. Overcoming social anxiety disorder is a very real possibility for many people. Please see your physician or psychologist to determine if this disorder is a cause for concern for you.
If you think this problem might be related to anxiety, please seek help. There is help available for those who suffer from this condition. A variety of treatment options are available. Your doctor may prescribe medication for you or refer you for cognitive behavioral therapy or group counseling. If you would like more information, continue reading this article.
Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you how to recognize stressful situations that lead to anxiety and how to respond to these situations. Once you understand how to better handle stressful situations, you will learn how to better handle similar situations in the future. This therapy can teach you how to avoid situations that trigger symptoms of social anxiety disorder and reduce your symptoms so that you can live a more normal social life.
If you do not want to take medication but still would like to make progress toward social anxiety, therapy is an option you should explore. This type of therapy is often provided by a qualified therapist. Some therapists offer their services through the Internet. If you can find a therapist who offers his or her services online, you may want to use this option since it is less expensive and therapy may be more convenient to complete on the computer. Therapy can be very helpful for those who are suffering from social anxiety.