I think I have social anxiety disorder. I only have made about 5 friends since I started high school, but they are all really good ones. Anyways, is there any way to treat social anxiety disorder without going to a psychiatrist, or taking meds or anything?

don’t lie to yourself, and face the world.

that’s what I did.

i believe i have social anxiety disorder. Whenever i am the center of attention (giving a speech or something like that) i almost always get very red in the face, my heart rate increases a lot, my thoughts are not clear, and my voice trembles.

i have researched this disorder for some time and everywhere i look i see stories that it is a horrible disorder, it can ruin peoples social lives, and drugs are needed to HELP this disorder.

i need to know if it is possible to psychologically overcome this disorder. I am only 18 years old, and i dont want to go on anti-depressants and what not, i just want to try and overcome this disorder.

has anyone ever heard of someone that overcame social phobia without the use of prescription drugs?

My friend does little projects to help herself overcome her problems. For instance, when she goes out to eat, she’ll show up a half hour or so before anyone and sit by herself at a table. Sounds stupid, but she’s so shy–this is a VERY hard thing for her to do.

She finally got a job at a retail store part time and is forced to speak with people and give advice on purchases.

It can be overcome in little steps—you just have to find what works for you.

i believe i have social anxiety disorder. Whenever i am the center of attention (giving a speech or something like that) i almost always get very red in the face, my heart rate increases a lot, my thoughts are not clear, and my voice trembles.

i have researched this disorder for some time and everywhere i look i see stories that it is a horrible disorder, it can ruin peoples social lives, and drugs are needed to HELP this disorder.

i need to know if it is possible to psychologically overcome this disorder. I am only 18 years old, and i dont want to go on anti-depressants and what not, i just want to try and overcome this disorder.

has anyone ever heard of someone that overcame social phobia without the use of prescription drugs?

A friend of mine had the same problems as you are having when you have to publicly speak etc. He overcame it by joining a Public Speaking Club, a Debating Club and a Poetry/Writers Club! He got so used to speaking to people it was no longer an issue and he never took pills in any form for it. I hope you can overcome it naturally as you want to. Best wishes. uk

Treatment for social anxiety disorder involves psychological counseling and sometimes medications (such as antidepressants) to reduce associated anxiety and depression.

More here http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/tc/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment-overview!!~!

I am almost 100% sure i have social anxiety.
I feel that everyone hates me or talks about me
I constantly feel nervous and afraid of embarrassment.

Is there any medicine you can take for this? Other sites suggest therapy, but therapy isn’t for me.
Any suggestions?

Treatments and drugs
Social anxiety disorder typically persists for life, often waxing and waning. But don’t lose hope. Treatment can help you control symptoms and become more confident and relaxed in social situations.
The two most effective types of treatment are medications and a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy. For the greatest effectiveness, they’re often used in combination.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavior therapy is the only type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating social anxiety disorder. This type of therapy is based on the idea that your own thoughts — not other people or situations — determine how you behave or react. Even if an unwanted situation won’t change — you still have to give a presentation to management, for instance — you can change the way you think and behave in a positive way. In therapy, you learn how to recognize and change negative thoughts about yourself.
Cognitive behavior therapy may also include exposure therapy. In this type of therapy, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most. This allows you to become better skilled at coping with these anxiety-inducing situations and to develop the confidence to face them. You may also participate in skills training or role-playing to practice your social skills and gain comfort and confidence relating to others. You may also learn relaxation or stress management techniques.
First choices in medications
Several types of medications are used to treat social anxiety disorder. However, the Food and Drug Administration has specifically approved only three medications, all antidepressants, to treat social anxiety disorder.
Those antidepressants are:
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Other medication options
Your doctor or mental health provider may also prescribe other medications that haven’t been specifically approved for social anxiety disorder. This is a common and legal practice called off-label use. These medications may include:
Other antidepressants. You may have to try several different antidepressants to find which one is the most effective and has the fewest unpleasant side effects.
Anti-anxiety medications. A type of anti-anxiety medication called benzodiazepines (ben-zo-di-AZ-uh-penes) may reduce your level of anxiety. Although they often work quickly, they can be habit-forming. Because of that, they’re often prescribed for only short-term use. They may also be sedating.
Beta blockers. These medications work by blocking the stimulating effect of epinephrine (adrenaline). They may reduce heart rate, blood pressure, pounding of the heart, and shaking voice and limbs. Because of that, they may work best when used infrequently to control symptoms for a particular situation, such as giving a speech. They’re not recommended for general treatment of social anxiety disorder.
Stick with it
Don’t give up if treatment doesn’t work quickly. You can continue to make strides in therapy over several weeks or months. And remember that finding the right medication for your situation can take some trial and error.
For some people, the symptoms of social anxiety disorder may fade over time, and medication can be discontinued. Others may need to take medication for years to prevent a relapse
Ways to Make Treatment More Effective
Many people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining a self-help or support group and sharing their problems and achievements with others. Internet chat rooms can also be useful in this regard, but any advice received over the Internet should be used with caution, as Internet acquaintances have usually never seen each other and false identities are common. Talking with a trusted friend or member of the clergy can also provide support, but it is not a substitute for care from a mental health professional.
Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. There is preliminary evidence that aerobic exercise may have a calming effect. Since caffeine, certain illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter cold medications can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, they should be avoided. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking any additional medications.
The family is very important in the recovery of a person with an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the family should be supportive but not help perpetuate their loved one’s symptoms. Family members should not trivialize the disorder or demand improvement without treatment. If your family is doing either of these things, you may want to show them this booklet so they can become educated allies and help you succeed in therapy
Lifestyle and home remedies
Although social anxiety disorder generally requires help from a medical expert or qualified psychotherapist, you can try some self-help techniques to handle situations likely to

If you have been diagnosed with social anxiety what has helped the most for you? Have you tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with medication or did you stick to just medication? If you were just on medication how well did this work for you? Please no rude answers! Thanks in advance!

I have been prescribed effexor rx 75mg and have been using it for my social anxiety for about 6 years now and it has been the perfect drug for me. Everyone reacts differently to drugs, but I recommend this one. I also meet with a psychiatrist. At first I met with the psychiatrist once every other week and now I go just to check in like once every three months. I highly recommend doing this (they can really help you overcome your most difficult situations and get to the bottom of it, the meds are just a little help in the process). Good luck! (Remember those awful Panic Attacks are all in your head and you can overcome them!)

Besides taking drugs
I’m talking about cognitive behavioral therapy, Did it worked for you? Have you recover completely? Other treatments?

Thanks

I am going through therapy right now for it. It is helping but it takes a LONG time and there is a chance you may never recover from it. I have to take the meds, because my anxiety stops me from doing everything.

hi

i looking for treatment of social anxiety but i don’t want to take any medication

i tried to use (Think Right Now – Conquering Social Anxiety) it’s like CBT but i don’t if it will work

Before you take something like Paxil, please try an herbal remedy. You can try herbal essence lozenges which are good for easing anxiety (see below to try a tin for free).

I want to ask my doctor about a prescription for it. I’ve tried anti-depressants in the past, and they seemed to only make things worse (made me extremely depressed, suicidal, etc.,). I think Xanax would help me relax and help with my constant muscle tension. Anyone else’s experiences?
I’ve got to do something-just going to Wal-Mart (as I did thirty minutes ago) gives me Panic Attacks.

Xanax is different from most benzodiazepines; it has an incredibly short half-life, and that’s why it’s harder to discontinue than the others. Some anti-depressants (especially escitalopram, brand name Lexapro) are effective against Social Anxiety Disorder and are typically a good option. I’m sorry to hear that they didn’t work for you. Xanax is very effective too, but you might want to consider a benzodiazepine with a longer half-life first. If it doesn’t work well enough for your symptoms, Xanax is still on the table as the next option. Ultimately your doctor is the only one of us that has a prescription pad, so his/her opinions about these various medications will come into the equation as well. I really hope you have a good conversation with him/her and get some relief from your anxiety.

I have a condition well know as social anxiety disorder (SAD). I would rate my current strain of it as extreme, by which I mean I can no longer function at all in society.

My question is, have you or do you know anyone that has undergone treatment for this via CBT, and does it work?

Success rates for CBT are estimated to be as high as 70%.