Visualization And Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder greatly reduces the quality of a person’s life. People who suffer from social anxiety miss out on so much that life has to offer. Opportunities are greatly limited, because the person who suffers from social anxiety cannot take advantage of any opportunity that might require social interaction – and most opportunities in life do require some sort of social interaction.

Visualization has been proven to be a very effective tool for dealing with social anxiety. Visualization is used to treat many disorders, and it is even used for pain management. Visualization can work in two ways: You can visualize yourself somewhere else, doing something else when you are in a social situation that is causing you anxiety, or you can visualize how a social interaction or event will play out before it occurs to prepare your mind for it.

The first method of visualization, where you visualize yourself in a different place from the one you are currently in is often used for pain management, or to calm down during anxious or stressful situations. The second method of visualization, where you visualize how a situation or event will play out, is the best visualization method for treating social anxiety disorder.

Using the second method of visualization, the concept is fairly simple. The theory is that if you visualize the situation or event in a positive way, over and over, before the event occurs, not only are you more prepared to handle it mentally, but it has been proven that if you think in a positive way, and visualize in a positive way, you will get positive results.

The second method prepares you for the event, but the first method is used during the event, in case you are feeling totally overwhelmed with the social situation that is going on around you. You simply remove yourself from the situation – mentally. People who suffer from social anxiety often use this method, but it should be considered a back-up plan, in case the first method fails to work once you are in the situation.

Visualization can be done with or without the aid of visualization tapes. There are tapes that can be purchased, but in the case of social anxiety, it is better to make your own tapes, since each tape will need to pertain to a specific social situation or event that is coming up in the future.

Visualization begins with some deep breathing exercises. Then, you close your eyes and begin to visualize the event. It is important that you visualize the event completely, starting from where you leave your house to go to the event. Make sure that you use all five senses to make it as real as possible in your mind. Be able to feel the clothes you are wearing, the smells that will be around you, the taste of the food that will be served, and the sound of people talking or music playing. Whatever the social situation will be, imagine it as clearly and realistically as possible.

Do not allow negative images to come into your mind. In your visualization, you should be handling the social situation very well. There is no fear. Nobody is staring at you or judging you. You are saying all the right things at the right times, and it is all going very well. Keep it positive!

Visualize a successful social interaction as many times as possible before the event, and make sure you do the visualization again right before the event. Also, prepare your backup visualization – the first method of visualization. You will need to practice the first method of visualization, where you can mentally remove yourself from an anxious situation, over and over again, until you are able to visualize yourself somewhere else that you consider safe and stress-free, without the use of visualization tapes.

If both methods fail you, first realize that it may take quite a bit of practice until it stops failing you. Then, just tell yourself that the event will end soon, and picture yourself arriving back at your home, where it is safe and comfortable. See yourself kicking your shoes off and fixing a bowl of ice cream. The event will be over soon, and then you can practice for the next event.

The important thing is to not stop trying. You will get it down eventually, and visualization will start to work for you, allowing you to do things that you never dreamed were possible!

Gary Miller is the author of “Prisoners of Our Thoughts: How to break free from the grips of Social Anxiety and Fear.” To learn more about the book click here to go to the website at www.social-anxiety-cure.com.

By: Gary M. Miller (Free Download Anxiety Treatment eBook)

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What Is Social Anxiety?

Who among us has never been in a large group of people and felt timid, nervous, and even downright terrified? Feelings such as these can happen from time to time, especially if we are a generally shy person. But when feelings of fear and panic are present in all situations such as these, you may be exhibiting signs of social anxiety – persistent and severe heightened fear and panic in social situations. When these feelings take over and begin to impact the way in which you socialize and engage in personal relationships, it is thought that treatment can significantly benefit the way in which we manage these overwhelming feelings.

Social anxiety is defined as feelings of fear or panic in anticipation of social situations – or while participating in social situations. These psychological feelings that people are judging you or you are under a microscope can lead to physical symptoms that may include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, sweating, shaking, headache, and diarrhea, among others. While social anxiety is considered an occurrence, social anxiety disorder falls within the umbrella of anxiety disorder that encapsulates everything from generalized anxiety disorder to obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.

A diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is generally made when there is ongoing and persistent feelings of panic and apprehension associated with commonplace social situations; daily life is thwarted by these feelings of anxiety and the sufferer sees the ramifications in their relationships – familial, platonic, and romantic. People who experience this type of anxiety feel as if their every move is being watched and they are convinced that they will humiliate themselves in a room full of people. Often the fear is so palpable that all social interaction is avoided in order to avoid the feeling.

In fact, for anyone who has ever experienced stage fright while performing in front of a group of people, the feelings associated with social anxiety are much the same thing. Those who suffer from this type of anxiety feel in a constant state of stage fright whenever they are in social situations – as if they are expected to perform.

Not surprisingly, those who suffer with this anxiety – and are not aware of the magnitude or definition of what they are managing – will often attempt to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs during social engagements. Such substances often have the ability to lower inhibitions enough that sufferers can mange their social time without feeling incapacitated. But this is hardly the safe or effective way to treat anxiety.

Treating this anxiety can be done in a number of ways. Cognitive-behavioral therapy with a licensed and reputable therapist teaches the patient how to rewire their thoughts and change their behaviors associated with the source of anxiety. Often there is a certain amount of exposure therapy wherein the patient is introduced to sources of anxiety – but in a controlled and safe environment. The hope is that continued exposure with positive outcomes will eventually desensitize the patient from this type of anxiety.

Medication is also available that treats a wide variety of anxiety. Your doctor is best in the position to determine what medication may work for you and will monitor your progress. In most cases, a combination of therapy and medication works most successfully in treating social anxiety.

By: M. Jedediah (Free Treatment for Anxiety eBook)

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3 Treatments for Anxiety Disorder to Help You Cope

 

Anxiety disorder is a generalized term for many psychological conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder as well as the many phobias. Treatments for anxiety disorder can vary depending on the severity as well as the type of disorder a person has. Some doctors would treat anxiety disorders using different antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac. Other doctors even prescribe a combination of antidepressants to help treat the disorder.

However, most people are wary about taking antidepressants for fear of becoming too dependent on the drugs. These medications also have addictive properties in them that can have the patient rely heavily on them for help. Because of the synthetic chemicals in prescription drugs, more and more people are looking for alternatives treatments for anxiety disorders. Patients are looking for a more practical and long-term approach to treating anxiety. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Detoxification

Detoxification is actually more than a new-age relief for anxiety. Our ancestors have used this method to help cure several diseases including anxiety. One method used in detoxification is through fasting which combines the use of laxatives and lavage. Some people also add sauna therapy into the detoxification process. Detoxification can rid the body of harmful chemicals that have accumulated over the years. A short fast can also help invigorate the organs and give it a little rest. Often, a restricted diet consisting of fruits and vegetables can be beneficial. Mono-diets (eating only grapes or only apples) are also another option. However, if you decide to go on fasts that lasts more than 8 or 10 days, consult a physician first.

2. Yoga

Yoga is the perfect relation technique for people who seek the proper treatment for anxiety disorders. Yoga seeks to create peace within one’s psyche, advocating positive thought and serenity. Yoga combines physical exercises (the asanas) with deep-breathing (yoga nidra), creating a truly tranquil emotional and spiritual experience. Yoga can not only help you relax but also take away factors that aggravate your anxiety.

3. Alternative Healing Methods (massage therapy and acupuncture)

Massage therapy can be traced back to a thousand years ago. Medical practitioners have used it to treat a variety of health-related problems including anxiety. It helps reduce stress, known to stimulate important chemicals in the body like serotonin and endorphins (called the happy hormones because they induce a feeling of well-being) and improve overall blood circulation.

An ancient Chinese method of healing the body, it dates back to almost 2, 500 years ago. The Chinese believes that there are patterns of energy flow in the body that corresponds to a certain point of health for one person. If this flow is interrupted, it can result in disease. This is what acupuncture tries to correct to improve one’s health. It has already been acknowledge by most Western doctors to be applicable to certain health problems including the treatment for anxiety disorder.

By: Howard Guy (Download Natural Treatment for Anxiety Now!)

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Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Which Treatment Is Right For You?

If you suffer from social anxiety disorder then you may be wondering what treatment is right for you. It is important that you understand your social anxiety disorder so that you can treat it and ultimately cure yourself of it.

Social anxiety is a psychological condition which causes overwhelming fear of situations or events that require social interaction or performance in front of other people.

The anxiety often activates physical symptoms such as blushing, rapid heart beat, sweating, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and many others and that can interfere with daily activities and socializing. And if this condition worsens, like keeps on recurring for more than six months and in most days than not without any reasonable explanations, this can become an immobilizing disorder.

A person with this disorder may fear social events and may result to being home-bound. But, there is cure to this illness. Social anxiety disorder treatment includes professional counseling and anxiety medications.

Treatments such as psychological counseling and medications, such as antidepressants which help reduce associated anxiety and depression, are both effective to those with this condition. The initial treatment is based on the severity of your emotional and physical symptoms and your ability to function in daily life activities.

People with social anxiety condition usually also have depression. In, addition, they may have problems with alcohol and substance abuse, therefore, your health professional may ask certain questions to know whether how severe your drinking or drug abuse can be. Usually, it goes undetected for years before treatment is sought and by that time, you may have developed behaviors that give room for the fears.

Types of counseling of social anxiety disorder treatment may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy- helps sufferers identify their anxieties and the situations that provoke the anxiety. This may feel a little uneasy on your part, but this is an important part for a successful recovery.

Treatment may include several types of cognitive-behavioral therapy, like:

Exposure therapy- you will be guided by a professional counselor to imagine you are facing your feared situation until such time, you will no longer fear it, such as going to public places.

Cognitive restructuring- helps you learn to identify and improve thinking patterns in order for you to cope up with social events.

Symptom management skills- this teaches you how to minimize stress by using proper breathing techniques and other physical responses to anxiety.

Supportive therapy- this type of therapy may include education about the illness, family therapy- to support loved ones with this condition, and group therapy or support groups- to seek support from others who have the same condition.

Medications for social anxiety disorder include:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first type of medication;

Benzodiazepines are for relieving anxiety and not for those with drug problems;

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) for relieving depression and anxiety;

Beta-blockers are taken to reduce anxiety and seldom used to treat anxiety symptoms like rapid heart beat;

Venlafaxine helps relieve anxiety and depression;

Ongoing treatment usually includes continuous psychological counselling and regular checkups to monitor if medications must be added to your treatment. Regular and continuous treatments are the best approach to treat your anxiety. There are many ways to treat social anxiety disorder treatment, some of which may surprise you.

By: Karin Manning (Download Free Anxiety Treatment)

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