Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety, and it can be equally effective when conducted individually or in groups. In exposure-based CBT, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most.
One of the most helpful things you can do to overcome social anxiety is to
face the social situations you fear rather than avoid
them. Avoidance keeps social anxiety disorder going.
Social anxiety is
a fully treatable condition
and can be overcome with effective therapy, work, and patience.
Which therapy is used for treating phobia?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
is often the first-line of treatment for phobia. It can help you overcome the negative automatic thoughts that lead to phobic reactions, teaching you to gradually change the way you think to help you overcome your fear.
The exact cause of social phobia
is unknown
. However, current research supports the idea that it is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Negative experiences also may contribute to this disorder, including: bullying.
It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life. For some people it gets better as they get older. But for
many people it does not go away on its own without treatment
. It's important to get help if you are having symptoms.
- Learn stress-reduction skills.
- Get physical exercise or be physically active on a regular basis.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Limit or avoid caffeine.
- Participate in social situations by reaching out to people with whom you feel comfortable.
You'll have to wait for it to take effect —
2 to 6 weeks
is a good guideline. And it might take a while to figure out side effects and find the right fit. Some people are able to wean off medication after a few months, and others need to stay on it if their symptoms start to come back.
- Understand your triggers. …
- Face your fear. …
- Remember what's important. …
- Practice visualization exercises. …
- Write down your thoughts. …
- Prepare positive corrective experiences. …
- Be mindful. …
- Consider exposure therapy.
How do you treat phobias naturally?
The most effective way to overcome a phobia is
by gradually and repeatedly exposing yourself to what you fear in a safe and controlled way
. During this exposure process, you'll learn to ride out the anxiety and fear until it inevitably passes.
How do you treat phobias at home?
Lifestyle and home remedies
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or yoga, may help cope with anxiety and stress.
Physical activity and exercise
may be helpful in managing anxiety associated with specific phobias.
How do you beat a phobia?
- Allow yourself to sit with your fear for 2-3 minutes at a time. …
- Write down the things you are grateful for. …
- Remind yourself that your anxiety is a storehouse of wisdom. …
- Exercise. …
- Use humor to deflate your worst fears. …
- Appreciate your courage.
3. When does social anxiety disorder start and how long does it last? Social anxiety disorder typically starts
in childhood or adolescence
. Among individuals who seek treatment as adults the median age of onset is in the early to mid-teens with most people having developed the condition before they reach their 20s.
A simplified version of what goes on in the brain:
We can say that
no one is “born” with social anxiety
. You may remember circumstances and events from very early in life, but there is no “gene” that codes for social anxiety, and there is not an immutable set of genes that cause social anxiety to occur.
When having to perform in front of or be around others, people with social anxiety disorder tend to: Blush, sweat, tremble, feel a rapid heart rate, or feel their “mind going blank”
Feel nauseous or sick to their stomach
.
Show a rigid body posture
, make little eye contact, or speak with an overly soft voice.
Extreme cases of untreated social anxiety disorder can lead
to isolation, depression, other anxiety disorders
, or even agoraphobia.
