Living with social anxiety is tough, but there is no reason you have to continue suffering alone!
One of the many questions you may be asking yourself is that why should you even bother taking medication.
Your old, sociable aunt might be telling you that you are just shy. That you just need to loosen up.
Your older sister might be saying you are just going through a phase.
And your best friend might think you just need a quick pick-me-up to get out of your funk.
But, seriously, why not?
Why should you not be taking medications?
Benefits of Medication for Social Anxiety
If you found something that helped with how you feel every time you walk into a crowded restaurant or someone tried to make small talk with you, wouldn’t you want to try it?
I would.
In the end, it is entirely up to you and your doctor, and what you feel comfortable with.
But for many people, medication ended up really helping them manage their anxiety.
Types of Medications Available
For social anxiety, as well as other forms of anxiety, there are three main types of medications you can try. These include medications specifically for easing anxiety, anti-depressant medications, and beta blockers.
Here is a summary of each option so you can decide which one is best for you:
1. Anti-Anxiety Medications
The main difference between the anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants is that anti-anxiety medications are used for severe anxiety that comes on during a moment of fear and panic. These are not meant as long-term medications you take on a daily basis, but instead something that works quickly to ease acute anxiety, such as when you have a big speech to make or are going somewhere you know will cause severe anxiety and panic.
Some of the anti-anxiety medications available are:
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Alprazolam
- Oxazepam
- Lorazepam
2. Antidepressant Medications
The next type of medication your doctor or therapist might recommend for your social anxiety includes antidepressants. While these help for depression, they are also ideal for most types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety.
With antidepressants, they are going to help the most with the side effects of your anxiety on more of a long-term basis. These tend to be safer for taking on a daily basis, consistently, as opposed to anti-anxiety medications that should be more for your panic attacks or severe anxiety episodes. If you have other anxiety disorders or depression addition to anxiety, you are probably a good candidate for these types of medications.
Most antidepressants are classified as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include:
- Citalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Sertraline
- Escitalopran
- Paroxetine
You may recognize these more by their brand names, such as Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Paxil, respectively.
Just be aware that they can sometimes come with side effects, like insomnia or headaches. It also takes a couple weeks before they start working, so be patient and keep taking your antidepressants every day.
3. Beta Blockers
The last category of medications that can help with your social anxiety are the beta-blockersr. These are going to reduce the effect that your anxiety has on your body, such as avoiding the sweating and rapid heart rate. Here are some beta-blockers your doctor might subscribe:
- Bisoprolol
- Atenolol
- Acebutolol
- Nebivolol
- Nadolol
If you are having difficulty managing your anxiety with the other treatment options, talk to your doctor about introducing medications.
Getting Therapy
Naturally, you should also consider therapy to help with your social anxiety.
Continuing to go to therapy will help you work through your problems and give you someone to talk to about anything and everything. This is someone who won’t judge you or hold what you have to say against you.
While they are there to listen, they can also talk you through your most worrisome events and help give you the tools you need to handle them in the future. They won’t cure your anxiety, but give you some easy ways to help you deal with it for a better personal and professional life.
Trying Natural Remedies
There are also some natural ways to ease your social anxiety.
This includes writing in a journal, learning meditation and breathing techniques, and getting regular exercise.
The good thing about these types of natural remedies is that they help more than just your social anxiety. It can help with other mental illnesses you might have, like depression or other forms of anxiety, plus improve your overall health and wellbeing. Exercise is going to keep you physically healthy while releasing endorphins to make you happier, plus also helping with the social anxiety. If you can find a treatment willing to do more than just help with the main issue you are having, you will be a better person for it.
Everyone is different, so the treatment plans are going to be different as well. Ask for help when you need it so that you can figure out what treatments are best for you.
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