Can Social Anxiety Disorder Be Cured
Depending on the conditions severity and the treatment that people receive, social anxiety disorder may affect people differently. For some, social anxiety may be short and brief, while others may experience a more chronic condition with symptom relapses.
Studies suggest that over 50% of people with social anxiety disorder achieve remission and no longer experience symptoms. Regardless of how long people experience symptoms, social anxiety disorder can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy , certain medications, or a combination of both.
What Is A Safe Anxiety Medicine
It’s also difficult to discuss the safety of antidepressants for anxiety and other anxiety medicines because the word “safe” means different things to different people. The good thing about most anxiety medications is that none of them appear to have fatal side effects. All medications can have some exceedingly rare side effects that may not be known and allergies to medications can be very dangerous, but antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and others are highly unlikely to cause any severe or possibly fatal side effects. You can talk to your pharmacist if you’re worried.
But anxiety medicines can cause two distinct types of side effects:
- Physical
- Psychological
Physical side effects are those that cause some discomforts that affect the body, rather than the mind. For example, a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may cause:
- Nausea
- Cloudy Thinking
- Digestion Issues
These side effects may be disruptive enough to affect your well-being. Benzodiazepines may also cause digestion issues and nausea, and have other side effects that include:
- Hypotension
- Lack of Coordination
- Seizures
In some cases, the side effects can be severe enough that the person needs to stop taking the medication right away. They also may cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medications, and in some cases, they may lose their effects over time as a result of tolerance.
- Most Benzodiazepines
- Citalopram
- Paroxetine
How Can You Relieve The Effects Of Stressful Situations
When you find yourself feeling the bad effects of stress, you need to take action immediately. The sooner you begin the process of treatment to relieve stress, the easier it will be and the quicker you find relief and be back to your normal state.
- The first step in the process is to try to identify the cause of the stress. Sometimes this is a known source such as a deadline at work, a pile of unpaid bills, or a relationship that is not working out. It can at times be more difficult to find the source of your problem.
- Often, many relatively mild stressors occurring at once can bring on the same stress as a larger problem or known source of anxiety or worry.
- Some people experience chronic and sometimes severe stress from events that occurred in the past .
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Recommended Reading: How Does Stress Contribute To Heart Disease
Essential Oils And Anxiety
Since the beginning of human civilization, people have realized the benefits of essential oils for treating many ailments. The ancient Egyptians used them during ceremonial celebrations and the mummification process.
These oils continued to be highly valued and frequently used as fragrances, given as gifts, and even traded as a type of currency. Over the years, many have found some essential oils, including chamomile, grapefruit, and lavender, to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of anxiety. These oils can be placed on the skin or in a diffuser.
Smile Like You Mean It
Dont roll your eyes the next time someone advises you to grin and bear it. In times of tension, keeping a smile on your face especially a genuine smile thats formed by the muscles around your eyes as well as your mouth reduces your bodys stress responses, even if you dont feel happy. Smiling also helps lower heart rates faster once your stressful situation ends.
You May Like: What Essential Oil Helps Stress
Top 10 Ways To Manage Stress And How Internal Medicine Doctors Can Help
Raleigh Medical Group, P.A.Blood Pressure, Diet & Exercise, General Posts, Healthy Eating, Men’s Health, Stress, Women’s Healthhigh blood pressure, men’s health, women’s health
As a nation, were stressed out.
If youre kept awake at night by anxiety or youre experiencing stress-related high blood pressure, youre not alone. As internal medicine doctors, weve seen firsthand the toll that stress can take on the body.
In fact, 3 out of 4 Americans have experienced at least one stress symptom in the last month.
Another 45 percent say stress causes them to be awake at night, 36 percent report nervousness or anxiety and 34 percent report stress-related fatigue, according to the American Psychological Association
Its time to do something about that.
After all, mental health is important to your overall health. As internal medicine doctors, we believe in taking an approach to how all systems in your body work together. This is because what affects one area will likely influence another.
Thats why we understand that stress can be a killer. Literally.
If you dont get help, youre looking at possibly developing heart disease or even diabetes, according to information from the Mayo Clinic.
Well show you some of the devastating effects that stress has on your health after we review the following ways to help you manage stress in your everyday life.
Using Dog Anxiety Medications Effectively
No matter which medication your veterinarian chooses, you will also need to put behavior-modification protocols in place in order to help your dog work through their anxiety.
Moderate to severe anxiety often responds best to a prescription anti-anxiety medication and behavior-modification training. These are not quick fixes, however.
Dogs usually need to be treated for about four weeks before the effectiveness of the medication becomes fully evident, and treatment needs to continue for at least two months after an adequate response is observed.
Some dogs can eventually be weaned off of anti-anxiety medications while others require lifelong treatment.
You May Like: How To Reduce Stress For Cats
Music Therapy For Anxious Dogs
Furthermore, music therapy has proven benefits for humans and animals alike. Likewise, music can calm and relax your Dog and help with his Anxiety.
For instance, one major benefit of music therapy comes from alleviating noise sensitivity because music can block the noise coming from the street, as well as thunder and other loud and scary noises.
Of course, if you want to try music therapy, you should stay away from loud and aggressive music. The above-mentioned studies have shown that the best effects can be achieved with classical music, especially harp music.
Alternatively, you can also try a white noise machine, which has been anecdotally proven as very effective among pet owners.
Are There Any Stress Medications
There is currently no such thing as a stress medication, but generally doctors will prescribe anxiety medications instead. Technically stress and anxiety are different, but they share enough similarities that the effects are considered the same.
If you are simply under a great deal of stress but your actual anxiety symptoms are not that strong, your doctor will likely prescribe you a very mild anxiolytic . Buspirone is a popular one, as it is considered one of the weakest on the market but also has the fewest side effects. Buspar is one of the few that is only an anxiolytic as well, so it’s unlikely to cause fatigue, personality changes, etc. All it does is reduce anxiety.
However, many find that Buspar is a bit too weak for their needs. Even though it has fewer side effects than other medications, it also may have some adverse reactions in some people. Unless your anxiety is pronounced, it’s unlikely that you’ll be given traditional anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines for your stress. Benzodiazepines tend to cause a bit too much fatigue, and the addiction risk is pretty strong.
Instead, you’ll likely be prescribed antidepressants, the most common being selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Prozac is one of the most well-known SSRIs available, and others include Paxil, Effexor, and Vanatrip.
Don’t Miss: How To Deal With Stress At Night
Hemp And Cbd Oil Products For Dog Anxiety
Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp oil is now legal in all US states, as well as CBD oil derived from hemp. However, CBD oil derived from marijuana is still illegal in many states and thus unavailable on Amazon and other online retailers.
Moreover, even though DogAnxiety medications and supplements with hemp or CBD oil are still relatively new, early research and anecdotal results are fairly positive and encouraging. Many hemp oil brands and hemp treats are now commonly sold as treatments for canine Anxiety, and their popularity has been growing rapidly over the last few years.
Develop A Positive Self
The way you talk to yourself matters. Harsh self-criticism, self-doubt, and catastrophic predictions aren’t helpful. If you’re constantly thinking things like, “I don’t have time for this,” and “I can’t stand this,” you’ll stress yourself out.
It’s important to learn to talk to yourself in a more realistic, compassionate manner. When you call yourself names or doubt your ability to succeed, reply with a kinder inner dialogue.
Positive self-talk can help you develop a healthier outlook. And an optimistic and compassionate conversation can help you manage your emotions and take positive action.
Read Also: How To Relieve Stress And Tension
Spend Time With Friends And Family
Social support from friends and family can help you get through stressful times.
Being part of a friend network gives you a sense of belonging and self-worth, which can help you in tough times.
One study found that for women in particular, spending time with friends and children helps release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever. This effect is called tend and befriend, and is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response .
Keep in mind that both men and women benefit from friendship.
Another study found that men and women with the fewest social connections were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety .
summary
Having strong social ties may help you get through stressful times and lower your risk of anxiety.
Its hard to feel anxious when youre laughing. Its good for your health, and there are a few ways it may help relieve stress:
- Relieving your stress response.
- Relieving tension by relaxing your muscles.
In the long term, laughter can also help improve your immune system and mood.
A study among people with cancer found that people in the laughter intervention group experienced more stress relief than those who were simply distracted (
Try watching a funny TV show or hanging out with friends who make you laugh.
summary
Find the humor in everyday life, spend time with funny friends or watch a comedy show to help relieve stress.
Not all stressors are within your control, but some are.
One way to do this may be to say no more often.
Exercising For Reducing Dog Anxiety
Anxiety, particularly separation Anxiety, can be caused by excess energy. With that in mind, providing enough exercise to your pooch may be a good way to soothe the Anxiety symptoms and create a stronger bond.
Take your Dog for a long walk or play catch with him. Because as long as your Dog is tired after the activity, he is less likely to have the energy to engage in destructive behavior. In addition to this, exercise can release endorphins and thus reduce the level of stress your Dog has.
You May Like: What’s The Best Way To Deal With Stress
Other Herbs And Natural Medicines For Anxiety
Many other natural medications have been prescribed for anxiety, but their success rates vary and are not entirely clear. St. John’s Wort, for example, is an herb meant for depression but believed to have an effect on anxiety. Nevertheless, the research hasn’t backed up this claim. The three above have been successfully used for anxiety for years with minimal side effects, and research has often supported their success as a natural treatment for anxiety.
Still, you need to remember that you should never depend on medication alone, otherwise your mind will lose out on its ability to cope further. That’s why you need to make sure you’re complimenting your natural medicine with some type of medication free anxiety reduction strategy. And always consult your doctor before considering any of these options.
Was this article helpful?
Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation involves relaxing all the muscles in your body, group by group. To practice, you can start with a few deep breaths.
Then, practice tightening and relaxing each muscle group, starting with your forehead and moving down to your toes.
With practice, you’ll learn to recognize tension and tightness in your muscles and you’ll be able to relax more easily. Each time you practice, however, you should experience a feeling of relaxation sweeping through your body.
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Stressed About School
I Need Relief And I Need It Now
So where does that leave you if youre suffering? Even when anxiety relief comes with side effects and dangers, that can still sound like a fair trade when panic and fear are ruling your life.
The bottom line is that theres a time and place for anxiety medication. If you have severe anxiety thats interfering with your ability to function, medication may be helpfulespecially as a short-term treatment. However, many people use anti-anxiety medication when therapy, exercise, or other self-help strategies would work just as well or better, minus the drawbacks.
Anxiety medications can ease symptoms, but theyre not right for everyone and theyre not the only answer. Its up to you to evaluate your options and decide whats best for you.
The 16 Best Anxiety Podcasts For 2022
If you want to jump directly to the sections for each podcast, you can click the links below.
- Best for when youre feeling anxious:Calmer You
- Best for generalized anxiety disorder:Anxiety Slayer
- Best for sleep:Get Sleepy
Dialing up a podcast can sometimes help you dial down the volume of your anxiety. Some podcasts may help you understand your feelings, others may give suggestions for dealing with work or social interactions, while others may lift your mood by meditating or even laughing.
No matter what method you find most helpful for dealing with your anxiety, you can be sure there is a podcast about it.
As of mid-2021, there were 2 million podcasts, and health/fitness was the 5th most popular genre. Many of these health podcasts are about mental health, especially anxiety.
While no podcast, not even one hosted by a doctor, can substitute for professional treatment, they may help you cope when you need a helping hand.
Read Also: What Is Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
Which Medications Work Best For Social Anxiety Disorder
Although many medications may be prescribed for social anxiety disorder, SSRIs and extended-release venlafaxine are considered first-choice medications. Research shows that more than half of those taking these medications experienced an improvement in their symptoms.
SSRIs and venlafaxine also have a lower risk of side effects than other antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants . These medications can help treat other symptoms that people with social anxiety disorder may experience, such as depression. Among sertraline, paroxetine, and venlafaxine, there is no particular medication that has been found to be more effective than the others for social anxiety disorder.
Zesty Paws Anxiety Calming Bites For Dogs
This is another hemp-based DogAnxiety supplement with a natural formula for Anxiety. You can get these treats only in one package size with 90 chews in the package. These calming chews come in two different flavors turkey and peanut butter.
However, there is also a third version which is turkey flavored as well but includes melatonin as an ingredient instead of L-theanine.
On the other hand, the version with melatonin may be more effective but it may also make your Dog drowsy since melatonin is often used as a sleeping aid. The rest of the ingredients in this product are all organic and natural, like chamomile, ginger root, and passionflower.
Moreover, the chews are palatable and my Dog seemed to enjoy their taste. But these treats are quite expensive and some Dog owners reported that they had little to no effect on their dogs behavior and Anxiety.
»PROS: Comes in Different Flavors, Natural Ingredients, Palatable, Easy to Administer, Work with Dogs of All Sizes
«CONS: Only Available in One Size, Expensive, Some Reports of Ineffectiveness
Also Check: What Is Good For Stress And Depression
Which Types Of Doctors Treat Stress
A variety of mental-health care practitioners treat the emotional effects of stress and associated symptoms. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are specialized in the care of mental illness and can prescribe medications if necessary. Primary care physicians, including internists and family practitioners, are often consulted by patients suffering from physical symptoms related to stress.
Quick Ways To Reduce Stress
Taking care of your long-term mental and physical health is an important part of stress management. However, there isnt always time to take a nap, hike a fourteener, or read a novel. Thus, here are 25 ways to reduce stress in five minutes or less. From eating chocolate to meditating, there is a quick stress-relieving tactic for everyone.
1. BreatheSlow, deep breaths can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. Try pranayama breathing, a yogic method that involves breathing through one nostril at a time to relieve anxiety. The technique is supposed to work the same way as acupuncture, balancing the mind and body.
2. Listen to Music No matter what the song, sometimes belting out the lyrics to a favorite tune makes everything seem all right. If youre in a public place, just listening to music can be a quick fix for a bad mood. Classical music can be especially relaxing right before bedtime.
3. Take a Quick Walk When youre feeling overwhelmed or having trouble concentrating, go for a quick stroll around the block. Youll get the benefits of alone time, physical activity, and a few minutes to gather your thoughts.
4. Find the Sun If its a sunny day, head outside for an easy way to lift your spirits. Bright light can be an effective treatment for people who suffer from depression, and can even cheer up otherwise healthy people.
8. Rub Your Feet Over a Golf Ball You can get an impromptu, relaxing foot massage by rubbing your feet back and forth over a golf ball.
12. Be Alone
You May Like: Why Do We Stress Eat
