| Occasional social anxiety is very common, after all | | | | prescribed to lower your anxiety level and are |
| not everyone is comfortable with public speaking | | | | very fast acting. However, they should only be |
| or meeting new people. However, when the | | | | used short-term as they can become addictive. |
| anxiety level becomes so extreme that it starts | | | | Antidepressants are the most commonly |
| hindering everyday activities and interferes with a | | | | prescribed drug to treat anxiety. They are a long |
| person's general well-being, social anxiety help may | | | | term solution but it can take weeks before they |
| be necessary. Individuals suffering from excessive | | | | become effective. Although they may not be as |
| anxiety in social situations may be suffering from | | | | habit forming as sedatives they can potentially |
| a mental condition known as social anxiety | | | | increase the risk of suicidal thought. |
| disorder. | | | | The thing to remember about medication is that |
| Social anxiety disorder, also known as social | | | | no drug will cure your anxiety disorder as their |
| phobia, is being uncomfortable or fearful around | | | | sole purpose is to control your symptoms. |
| other people. Individuals with this disorder feel | | | | Adult Education Classes - Typically found in |
| someone is watching and judging them in a | | | | community centers or colleges, you can find social |
| negative way. They fear they will look foolish or | | | | anxiety help by attending social skills classes or |
| may have the feeling that they don't belong or | | | | one in assertiveness training. Some will feel that |
| don't have anything to say when interacting with | | | | this would be too stressful, but you need to |
| other people. They may start to blush, sweat or | | | | remember that all the other people in the class will |
| have a rapid heartbeat as symptoms of their high | | | | feel the same way as you. |
| anxiety. | | | | Practice social skills - Try something simple like |
| Social anxiety is one of the most common | | | | smiling or being the first one to say hello to |
| disorders in the country. Left untreated you can | | | | someone until it becomes second nature and it no |
| become depressed, feel isolated and generally not | | | | longer causes anxiety, then move on to another |
| have a very rewarding life. Fortunately, social | | | | skill. If you are going to be in a social situation, you |
| anxiety help is available in a variety of treatments | | | | should come up with several topics you can |
| including some self-help strategies. | | | | discuss in that setting. Brush up on the weather, |
| Therapy - Here's that dirty little word that is | | | | sports, news or whatever you think that group |
| despised by so many. Think of it as counseling | | | | of people will be talking about. You don't have to |
| and maybe it won't sound so bad to you. This | | | | monopolize the conversation (yeah, like that's |
| should be the number one choice for social | | | | going to happen) but this will allow you to have |
| anxiety help as it has proven to be the most | | | | something to contribute. |
| effective method of dealing with all types of | | | | Volunteering - Another way of getting social |
| anxiety disorders. The most effective form of | | | | anxiety help is by volunteering for something you |
| treatment is called cognitive behavioral therapy. | | | | like doing. Maybe it's taking care of animals in a |
| Not only will you learn how to control your | | | | shelter or perhaps you are passionate about |
| anxiety but also how to alter your thinking and | | | | someone running for office and you chose to |
| behavior patterns which will eventually allow you | | | | work for their campaign. Your focus will be on the |
| to overcome your disorder. | | | | activity you are performing but you will also be |
| Medication - This is generally prescribed by | | | | around other people and interacting with others |
| therapists to control the symptoms of anxiety. | | | | who have the same common interest. |
| Some type of medication, like beta-blockers, are | | | | If you're suffering from social anxiety disorder, |
| useful for controlling symptoms like the racing | | | | having a normal life may seem impossible. |
| heart, shaking or sweating that some may feel | | | | However, with the treatment options available, |
| before they need to perform or speak in public. | | | | social anxiety help is right around the corner. If |
| This medication can be taken in advance of these | | | | you make the commitment and follow through |
| types of situations in order to relieve | | | | with it, you can overcome this disorder and go on |
| nervousness. | | | | to have a far more enjoyable lifestyle. |
| Sedatives, like Valium or Xanax, are also | | | | |