What Is Speech Anxiety Therapy?

Speech anxiety, also called social anxiety disorder, is an abnormal fear of speaking in front of crowds of people. It causes avoidance of large gatherings, going to large events, or even talking on the telephone. This can be extremely debilitating for the person who has it because it limits their ability to live a normal life. The average person will have small talks with family members or friends in their spare time. For the speech anxiety sufferer, however, those conversations are always tense, and they are unable to relax and enjoy them.

The origins of this disorder are not clear. There are a number of possible causes, but no one yet understands exactly what causes the symptoms. Some researchers feel that speech anxiety disorder may have something to do with a person’s genetic predisposition to it. Others believe that it results from a traumatic experience. Still others believe that it has to do with the person’s understanding of speech patterns and word processing techniques.

If you are suffering from this disorder, it is important to seek treatment. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help treat your speech anxiety. Other doctors may refer you to a speech pathologist or psychological counselor to help work on your problem. You can also participate in a speech anxiety therapy class at your local community college or university. These classes are usually very hands-on and can be very helpful in developing your problem speaking skills. If you do not have the time to attend a live class, many online speech anxiety courses offer a similar program.

After receiving treatment for your anxiety, most patients find that they improve drastically. Because speech anxiety is basically a reaction to stress, it is often very effective at controlling the emotions of the individual. In fact, many people find that the ability to talk after being stressed out is more advanced than ever before. So, if you suffer from an anxiety problem and have had no luck treating it with medications or by participating in an online speech anxiety therapy class, you may wish to give these other programs a try. You may just be surprised at how much better you will do.

While there is no cure for speech anxiety, there are things you can do to control it and even end the attacks for good. The first thing is to avoid making any sudden, unexpected, or extreme statements. Don’t tell a story that will make you feel embarrassed or defensive. Also, avoid using very precise words when you are speaking. Instead, use as many general words as possible and explain your point in as much detail as possible.

If you find that you still have speech anxiety problems even after trying these methods, you may have to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. Sometimes, these are needed as a last resort. Talking to a therapist can help you determine what is causing your problem and determine whether or not you should see a doctor. This type of speech anxiety therapy involves both mental and physical exercises that will help train you how to think more clearly and efficiently. You will learn to relax more so that you will not have as many panic attacks.

Your therapist may also prescribe medication if you are suffering from speech anxiety therapy. The most common medicine used is antidepressants that can help you relax. You will also be taught how to cope with stressful situations that cause your anxiety, such as speaking out in class or giving a speech to a group of people. Your doctor will talk to you about the pros and cons of taking medication as well as talk to you about how you will be able to handle the side effects. This method of treating this disorder is also very effective as you won’t have the symptoms that usually come with prescription drugs.

Remember, though, that speech anxiety is not curable. You will simply need to find the best speech anxiety therapy program for yourself. Keep in mind, too, that some natural remedies can work just as well. If you are tired of taking these medications, you may want to give one of these natural remedies a try.

Ann Miller

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