What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a common psychological problem in America, affecting more than 15 million Americans each year. Therefore, for most of us, social anxiety treatment is not warranted. Social anxiety refers to the fear or apprehension that one feels when one interacts with others.
It is a feeling of being judged and negatively evaluated. This can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, blushing, and a shaky voice.
How do you treat social anxiety?
There are many self-help options, from meditation to exercise, but therapy, medication, or a combination thereof, is the best way for conquering social anxiety.
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Medication
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, (SSRIs)
Because they are more effective than other anxiety medications, this is the most preferred medication.
Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Anti-depressants that increase your serotonin levels and norepinephrine level, chemicals that improve your mood.
Benzodiazepines
Another name for tranquilizers. They can quickly calm anxiety. They can also become addictive if they are used for prolonged periods.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This is the most popular and effective treatment for social anxiety and will often include some of these strategies.
Psychoeducation
Information about your disorder will be given to you, including what caused it, how you can treat it, and what it is.
Cognitive Restructuring
This is the act of changing negative thoughts and patterns that are prevalent in social situations.
In Vivo Exposure
This will gradually allow you to face situations that cause significant anxiety, or ones that you can avoid entirely.
Interoceptive Exposure
This social anxiety treatment helps people face their anxiety. To lessen their fear of these harmless sensations, the therapist will attempt to induce one or more of their anxiety symptoms.