Most people may get a little nervous when they have to enter into brand new social situations, but if you find that you or your child are trying to avoid social situations at all costs, this may very well be a symptom of social anxiety. Below are some of the most important signs and symptoms of this condition and I will also list a few treatment options that you may try.
Social anxiety is a feeling of extreme nervousness that can even turn to panic attacks when the patient is in certain social settings. Some of the patients only experience this in situations when they for example have to eat in front of other people or when speaking in public, while others who suffer from social anxiety will start to panic in any social situation. The reason is that these patients are extremely concerned about the way they will behave when they're in front of others. They are so concerned with other's opinions and they don't have enough self-esteem to be around other people.
If your child starts to display embarrassment at his or her own actions, even in your presence, or that they find it scary to go to school or in other social settings appropriate for their age, it may be time to seek help from professionals. While simply telling your child there is nothing to be afraid of may not cure their problems, this can serve as a part of their overall treatment.
Approaching a counselor that will allow your child to express his or her feelings may be a good start. A technique a counselor may apply especially for younger kids is letting them draw pictures about the times they feel nervous around other people. They can also practice being in 'staged' social situations at the counselor's office in order to make everyday interactions not so difficult and scary.
Since everyone expresses their nervousness differently, the type of medication that is needed may not be standard. Versions of the social anxiety medication Paxil may be ideal for older children and adults, which will help children to remain calm and confident when talking to others while child dosages of Prozac may prove to be effective as well. Social anxiety in children--and some adults--may also be the result of certain types of autism or ADHD.
In addition to talking to your doctor about medication, there are a few natural supplements that you can take as well. Vetiver oils can be diffused in your child's room while they're sleeping in order to calm the nervous system and improve their mood and lavender oils can help to rid the body of impurities regulate the blood flow. Making sure that you're getting enough vitamins or giving your kids the right type of nutrition they need will also help to regulate social anxiety and after a few months you should start to see definite improvement.
If you suspect that you've had anxiety or panic attacks recently, you'll need knowledge about the symptoms so that you can take the necessary steps toward staying healthy. There are basically two ways to go:
· Learning anxiety self help · Seeking professional help.
Moreover, if you are experiencing any type of serious stress in your life, it's a good idea to gain more knowledge about anxiety attacks symptoms so that you can turn the condition around before it gets extremely serious.
Tightness in the Chest
A common anxiety attack symptom is tightness in the chest. If you find it difficult to breathe or you have problems with speaking, you are probably experiencing an anxiety attack. If you experience a situation like this the first thing you should do is to find a place to sit or lie down, preferably close to a window or an open door if possible. This will give you some fresh air which will help your chest muscles to stop contracting and lower your body temperature.
Digestive Issues
Problems with digestion are also common symptoms of anxiety attacks. Problems with swallowing food, loss of appetite or an unsettled stomach are all symptoms of stress. If you experience these symptoms, eating un-processed or foods in their natural state would be a significant part of your anxiety self help efforts by helping you to stop the anxiety symptoms.
Eat organic fruits and vegetables instead of canned varieties. Foods like these are free of pesticides; chemicals that many people react negatively to.
Discomfort and Pain in Arms and Legs
If you experience anxiety frequently or think that you are in the middle of an anxiety attack, you may have a tingling feeling in your hands or feet. If it continues, you may experience pain in your extremities but you can reduce it by regularly muscle stretching and exercising. The prickling is caused by nerve damage, so when you exercise, you will increase your body's circulation. This way your muscles are strengthened.
A regular workout will also improve your breathing as it decreases the likelihood of experiencing shortness of breath when you are under severe stress. Jogging or running for at least 30 minutes a day is great. The same goes for using free weights, fore it strengthens the muscles in your extremities.
Sleeping Disorder
Sleeping problems are also associated with anxiety, either lack of sleep or too much of it. Let's say you go to sleep but wake up several times during the night, or you sleep continuously for minimum 10 hours or more, this could be caused by severe anxiety.
Speak to your doctor and ask for medication that will help you to sleep through the night. You can also try natural remedies, for instance valerian root or 5-HTP at your local health food store or pharmacy. These remedies may represent a vital role in your anxiety self help regimen by raising your serotonin levels. This will increase your ability to cope with stress in a more healthy way throughout the day.
There are many reasons why people experiencing nervous anxiety or panic attacks. Things like the loss of a loved one, beginning a new job, moving to another town, or financial problems can easily and often trigger anxiety. Some individuals also experience an great amount of anxiety in any type of social situation.
If you are among those that have panic attacks often, you might speak to your doctor about medication for panic attacks that may work well for you. Even if you don't want to take prescribed drugs, there are numerous natural remedies you can try out as well.
Antidepressants
The most common panic attack medication that your doctor may consider to prescribe are antidepressants. These drugs are - like the name shows - originally made for people suffering from serious depression. Because of this, many people who suffer from anxiety attacks may experience a boost in their mood after a while of taking them. Antidepressants will not give instant relief of your panic attacks, it might a few weeks before they work, therefore other treatments must be incorporated to get a faster reduction.
It is important that you take the medication regularly, also when you don't have panic attacks.
