How to Deal with Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common phobias people experience. Social anxiety disorder occurs when a person has an excessive amount of fear towards being in social situations. He or she may also feel extremely self-conscious about being watched, criticized, and humiliated by others. Sometimes social anxiety disorder leads to panic attacks that can cause a person to avoid or obsess about a social gathering for days or months before the event.

In many cases people who suffer from social anxiety disorder are aware their attitudes and fears are unrealistic; however, they are still unable to overcome their fears. There are many ways people with social anxiety disorder can get help with their symptoms. To deal with social anxiety disorder, follow the tips below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. To deal with social anxiety disorder, see a psychiatrist who specializes in social anxieties. There are different types of cognitive and behavioral therapies that help people deal with social anxiety disorder. Initial treatment will depend on the severity of your anxiety disorder.

2. Address any alcohol or substance abuse problems with a psychiatrist. Sometimes social anxiety disorder is a symptom of another underlying psychological problem.

3. Talk with your doctor about taking antidepressants to deal with social anxiety disorder. Many times social anxiety disorder is triggered by clinical depression. There are many different kinds of antidepressants. A psychiatrist will help you find one that works well for your situation.

4. Have a psychiatrist evaluate whether or not you are generally anxious or whether a specific situation is triggering your anxiety.

5. Start attending group therapy to deal with social anxiety disorder. Many people who suffer from this disorder find relief by sharing their experiences with other people who can relate to similar symptoms and circumstances. It's also therapeutic to listen to how others are overcoming social anxiety disorder.

6. Educate yourself about social anxiety disorder. There is a lot of information on the Internet. Join an online forum with others who suffer from social anxiety disorder.

Tips & Warnings

• Social anxiety disorder can occur from genetical predisposition to the disorder, chemical imbalances, family history, negative experiences, pressures from school or work, and other causes.
• Social anxiety disorder can flare up under stressful situations.
• If you suspect you suffer from social anxiety disorder, make sure to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible.

Resources

• WebMD - Social Anxiety Disorder

[rickmac]

on 6/4/2009 Good advice for people with this issue. It's a socially disabling illness for some people. I know one person who has panic attacks that are really scary.

[sonni57]

on 5/7/2009 I may have a social anxiety disorder I like it quiet and not to be disturbed.