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Posts tagged Symptoms
Common Flu Symptoms and How to Manage Them
Jan 5th
Before we talk about flu symptoms and how to manage them, lets first look at the difference between colds and flu. Common cold symptoms may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- nose discharge
- stuffed up feeling
- cough
- sore throat
- headache
With flu, you may experience any or all of the above symptoms, but you’ll also have:
- a fever or chills
- body aches or pains
- and possibly gastrointestinal disturbances
You can see straight away, by the symptoms, that flu is more serious than a cold. You wouldn’t get a fever unless your body was responding to something that wants to greatly disturb it.
A fever in itself is a good thing. It means your body is dealing effectively with throwing out the pathogen that is trying to gain entry. The more violent the fever, the more healthy you are. The milder the fever, the weaker you are – your body just doesn’t have the energy to fight.
Imagine someone trying to break in to your house. If you are prepared and indignant, chances are you’ll put up a powerful fight and win. If you are unprepared and feel vulnerable, chances are you’ll not fight at all and the burglar will probably get away with what he came for, possibly hurting you in the process.
Preparing your body for pathogen invasions means allowing things to take their course. Children are not born with an immune system. They need to practice by catching mild diseases.
Do you remember the chicken pox (and other childhood diseases) parties where people would bring their child to catch it? That’s what it was all about.
Today, in the vaccine laden world, this concept is no longer fashionable. But it is the best way for children’s immune system to become strong.
By experience.
Let them catch colds. Let them develop flu symptoms. Just keep an eye on things and be prepared to seek professional advice if you think it’s necessary.
A few days in bed may be all that is necessary. And when a child has recovered from an illness, without any suppressive drugs, you can often see a growth spurt. They needed that experience to evolve.
And they’ll become healthier adults, as a result.
Back to flu symptoms.
So you have a fever.
But you’ll also likely to have body aches. This can take the form of muscle aches or bone aches. Only you can feel the difference.
In addition to a fever and body aches, you may also have gastrointestinal symptoms. Perhaps in the form of nausea or vomiting or diarrhoea.
Digestion takes a huge amount of energy, so when you are very unwell, you will not feel hungry. This is because the energy it takes to digest is needed elsewhere.
The old saying of ‘starve a fever’ is very sound advice. Never try to force feed anyone who is acutely ill.
But continue to drink plenty.
Seek professional advice if it continues more than a couple of days without showing signs of improvement.
Homeopathic medicines work with the body, rather than suppressing its symptoms. This means you can effectively deal with your flu symptoms with a specific homeopathic medicine for your type of flu. This will speed up the process, without causing damage.
Follow The Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction And Find The Proper Cure
Jan 5th
Whenever a person suffers from drug addiction it becomes much harder for him to return back to his normal life. The fact is that these days people are having such a busy schedule of life and moreover, the stress of job is also so high that it sometimes becomes quite difficult to handle them and to manage it most of us have to take some painkillers and other stress bursting medicines. At times these drugs seem to be the most faithful friend as they help in reducing the stress and anxiety. But on the other side of the coin the regular use of these drugs proves them the most vicious foe that can ruin your life completely. The point is that the regular use of these prescription drugs without consulting the doctor does just the opposite of helping you to manage your stress. And the most fearsome thing in this respect is that the regular use of these painkillers makes the body immune to the initial doses of the drug and therefore the result is that one cannot get the desired effect of the drug and thus increases the dose by himself without consulting the doctor to get the desired result. And with this increment of the dose the body also grows immune to it also after a certain time thus resulting in further increase in the dosage.
When this practice goes on at a regular basis this gives rise to a bigger problem which is that the person becomes dependent on the particular drug. Moreover, another important fact in this context is that the person himself is unaware of the fact that he is getting addicted to that particular drug. Therefore, it is essential to know and identify the symptoms of painkiller addiction. This is very much important to identify the symptoms of painkiller addiction to know whether you are getting addicted to painkillers or not. This is essential because it is a very common fact and almost every one of us do take painkillers for some reason or the other. But that does not mean that every one who takes painkillers is addicted to them. Therefore to find out if you are addicted to drugs it is important to identify the symptoms of painkiller addiction. And after that if it is found that the person is addicted to painkillers or any other prescription drugs then the best thing to is to contact a good rehab center so that he may go through the proper treatment procedure to get rid of his addiction problem.
In this respect Sunset Malibu is a well known field where you can have a proper and systematic treatment for drug addiction. Here you can find the perfect solution to the addiction problem. One of the most important thing that is given proper attention here is the psychological treatment along with the physical drug detox. This is very much essential for the complete cure to provide the patient psychological treatment and support along with physical treatment so that he can return back to his normal life. If this is not given proper attention the patient may face problems in his later life or even may get to addiction once more after the treatment procedure is over.
Opiate Addiction Symptoms and Signs
Jan 4th
Opiate addiction is an insidious problem that has plagued society for centuries, but perhaps never more so than today. A two-edged sword, opiates can heal or destroy.
An opiate is any drug derived from the opium poppy plant. The main opiates are morphine, heroin, and codeine. Thebaine and papaverine are also opiates. More commonly we see opiates in their synthetic forms: oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Darvon, Demerol, and Methadone are other synthetic opiates. The majority of these drugs are used medically for pain management.
Opiates are particularly effective in suppressing pain and reducing anxiety. In sufficiently high doses, they can produce a euphoric state. For this reason, they are often used as recreational drugs. Psychological and physical dependence leading to addiction is common in frequent opiate users. The body quickly adjusts to the use of opiates such that increasingly larger doses are needed to produce the same euphoric effect. Overdosing, sometimes resulting in fatal respiratory failure, occurs when addicts take more than their body can handle.
Most opiates can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Intravenous injection is the preferred method of longtime addicts as this method produces the quickest, most intense high. It is also a method accompanied by increased risk of infectious disease.
Physically, the effects of opiates include dry mouth; muscle spasticity; slow, shallow or labored breathing; pupil dilation; stomach and intestinal spasms; constipation; low blood pressure; and diminished mental capacity, drowsiness, and disorientation. A common behavior of the opiate addict is the nodding in and out of consciousness.
Opiate addicts are emotionally detached. Thus, dependents of addicts are often neglected and sometimes abused. Addicts have a difficult time reporting regularly to jobs and even keeping them. Since they cannot function without the drug, looking for it, paying for it, using it, and enjoying its effects become first and foremost in their priority. Other needs are a poor second. Since funds are usually not commensurate to the need and desire, stealing and other criminal behavior are often parts of the addict’s lifestyle.
Withdrawal from addiction to opiates can include hot and cold flashes, goose bumps, extreme restlessness, anxiety, muscle spasms, tremors, muscle and bone ache, insomnia, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Fortunately, there are many opiate dependency treatment programs available. Before anything else, detoxification is needed. In the opiate addiction detox center, a longtime user can begin the process of eliminating the toxins from one’s body in a regulated environment where medical practitioners are available to monitor any adverse effects of withdrawal.
Some opiate addiction rehab centers administer medications such as methadone or buprenorphine to ease the pain of withdrawal. After the physical cleansing, the tough work of self-transformation begins. Opiate addiction rehabs offer counseling and behavior modification strategies and techniques to enable the recovering patient to sustain a drug-free lifestyle long after he’s left the opiate addiction rehab center. Through counseling sessions, the patient discovers the emotional and environmental factors that trigger his cravings, and he learns how to avoid these or control them. Realizing that the treatment for opiate dependency is far from over, even when the rehabilitated opiate addict returns to society, opiate addiction treatment centers connect him to support groups and family outreach programs to assist him and his family in rebuilding their lives.
Drug Addiction Symptoms and Signs
Jan 4th
What are the symptoms and signs of drug addiction? When do you cross the line of being an occasional drug user to becoming a full-blown addict? The answer is not just about how much is consumed, but rather on the effects of drug abuse. It isn’t also the mistaken perception that the person should be just about to live on the street just for him to be considered an addict. In fact, many drug addicts are living normal lives with steady jobs and families.
The symptoms and signs of drug addictions may be difficult to trace. Some drug addicts are actually capable of showing no signs of addiction. In fact, it may take a long time for someone to conclude that a person is a drug user. Some drug addicts, however, can be easily recognized.
A drug addict can show signs of depression, angry outbursts, manic behavior, irritability, moodiness and overall attitude change. They can engage in suspicious behaviors, such as more frequent and long visits to the basement, restroom or other isolated areas. A drug addict can also start talking incoherently and make inappropriate remarks. His grooming and physical appearance may also start to deteriorate. At times, you would notice that he is starting to frequently borrow money, sell possessions and steal items from the house, school or office.
Addiction to a drug may be a result of a person’s dependency on prescription drugs to relieve pain from an injury or accident. In this case, the medication becomes an addiction that is difficult to break. The person starts to crave for the drug that should otherwise be used only to lessen pain. Addiction may also occur when a person chooses to abuse his body with an illegal drug.
With the help of drug rehab centers, patients are able to revive from their addiction. Drug addiction is a desperate case wherein only the experts of drug rehabs can intelligently divert them. It is always good to see the professional help of drug addiction treatment programs instead of relying on self recovery which is often unsuccessful.
A drug treatment center provides an ongoing support for drug addicts even after they leave a program. Former patients attend therapy sessions and one-on-one counseling that is provided in order to help former drug addicts cope with their present trials. They are also advised to visit a drug detox center to eliminate all foreign substances in the body that are caused by drugs and can be a threat to the health of a person.
Drug treatment centers can help cure drug addiction within a matter of weeks, depending on how a person responds to their treatments. They scan the mental, physical and emotional conditions of an individual and customize a treatment for the person.
Drug addiction begins with the simple act of taking drugs, which leads to craving, seeking and addiction later on. It is easier to prevent than stop addiction by being able to recognize the initial stages before it becomes a habit that it difficult to break.
”Enlarged Prostate Symptoms” And Its Treatment With Ayurveda
Jan 3rd
Prostate gland helps in control and release of urine and secretes a fluid which is a major constituent of semen . This gland is only found in men and is the size of a walnut , situated just below the bladder and above the penis .
As men age prostate gland grows in size . It has usually two cycles of growth . One is when man reaches the age of puberty and the second is around the age of 25 , this second enlargement phase usually results in the condition called ”Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy ” or ‘BPH” . BPH is a condition in which the prostate swells up which creates problem in the flow of semen , urine and stools , and can even lead to ”impotence” or ”Erectile Dysfunction” .
”Symptoms Of Enlarged Prostate ”
The prostate gland does not become swollen in a day ,the problem starts gradually and if you encounter following symptoms in your daily health , you should take instant action in checking up if your prostate is swelling up or not .
HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS-
If their is frequent need for urination ,specially during the night.
If you encounter difficulty in starting or stopping the urinary flow.
If you encounter a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.
If you are having problems getting regular erections
If their is pain in the lower back between the testicles and the anus area.
If their a rapid loss of appetite .
These are some of the symptoms of a prostate which needs immediate attention.
”Enlarged Prostate Treatment”
The modern medicines for enlarged prostate although do reduce its size but often carry dangerous side effects like inability to achieve erections , frequent urination associated with ”BPH” is most of the times not cured , and mostly as soon as you stop taking the drugs the problem often returns .
Healthier Alternative
A healthier alternative to cure enlarged prostate is Ayurveda ,which had diagnosed the BPH condition 5000 years ago and prescribed herbs which were effective in curing not only the disease but the person as whole .
In Ayurveda this condition has been exactly described as follows
“Naabheradhasthaatsanjaatha Sanchaari Yadi Vaachalaha
Ashteelaavad Ghano Granthiroodhwar Maayata Unnataha”
Which means below navel their is a litte gland which sometimes changes its position and sometimes stays at the same position .This gland when affected from vitiated vata leads to vataashteela or an enlarged prostate.
Drug Abuse Health Information Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Jan 3rd
Drugs are chemicals that tap into the brain’s communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. There are at least two ways that these are able to do this: (1) by imitating the brain’s natural chemical messengers, and/or (2) by over stimulating the “reward circuit” of the brain.
Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, have a similar structure to chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, which are naturally produced by the brain. Because of this similarity, these are able to “fool” the brain’s receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal messages.
Nearly all drugs, directly or indirectly, target the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation of this system, which normally responds to natural behaviours that are linked to survival (eating, spending time with loved ones, etc), produces euphoric effects in response to these. This reaction sets in motion a pattern that “teaches” people to repeat the behaviour of abusing drugs.
As a person continues to abuse drugs, the brain adapts to the overwhelming surges in dopamine by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of dopamine receptors in the reward circuit. As a result, dopamine’s impact on the reward circuit is lessened, reducing the abuser’s ability to enjoy the these and the things that previously brought pleasure. This decrease compels those addicted to it to keep abusing it in order to attempt to bring their dopamine function back to normal. And, they may now require larger amounts of the drug than they first did to achieve the dopamine high—an effect known as tolerance.
Long-term abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that influences the reward circuit and the ability to learn. When the optimal concentration of glutamate is altered by drug abuse, the brain attempts to compensate, which can impair cognitive function. Drugs of abuse facilitate nonconscious (conditioned) learning, which leads the user to experience uncontrollable cravings when they see a place or person they associate with the drug experience, even when the drug itself is not available. Brain imaging studies of drug-addicted individuals show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory, and behaviour control. Together, these changes can drive an abuser to seek out and take these compulsively despite adverse consequences—in other words, to become addicted to drugs.
Drug addiction is a preventable disease. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, when youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse and for teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs.
Dealing With Social Anxiety Symptoms
Jan 2nd
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social disorder, occurs when you become exceedingly anxious and self-conscious in normal social interactions. Social anxiety symptoms include, but are not limited to, experiencing emotional distress upon being introduced to new people; experiencing emotional distress while being watched by someone else while you are doing something; experiencing emotional distress while dealing with people in authority or with strangers; experiencing emotional distress due to interpersonal relationships; etc.
People who are normally perceived by others as being socially backward, unfriendly, nervous, disinterested, or aloof, are usually those who are suffering from social anxiety disorder. These people truly want to be friendly and socially normal, but they have difficulty doing so.
It has been said that the underlying cause of social anxiety disorder is believed to be an exaggerated shame response that few people with social anxiety symptoms adequately conceptualize. However, usually people with social anxiety disorder have experienced at least one traumatic incident in their lives that they interpreted as being intensely shameful to them.
Emotional distress is one of the main social anxiety symptoms. However, it manifests itself in a variety of ways depending on the dreaded situation which usually determined its severity and length and how it interferes with normal functioning. It can be limited to one particular type of event or can be broad in its display.
Generally speaking, social anxiety symptoms are usually treated with medication and/or psychotherapy. The medications usually prescribed are antidepressants; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, and Celexa); tricyclics (such as Tofranil and Anafranil); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as Nardil, Marplan, and Parnate); high-potency benzodiazepines (such as Clonazepam, Xanax, and Ativan); and beta-blockers (such as Inderal). The psychotherapy that is usually prescribed is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT has been shown to be probably the best treatment for social anxiety. Research and also clinical evidence point to sufferers receiving long-term relief from symptoms and in most cases, permanent changes in the way they react in social situations. Therapy involves changing the way you perceive different social situations. Your brain creates a neural pathway to represent the way you react to specific situations. Think of it as a path that has been cleared through a jungle. Your emotional distress in a social situation is that path. It is easier to go down that path next time you have to face a situation that causes you anxiety than clear a new path (representing a more appropriate response in a social situation). CBT helps re-train the brain to create new neural pathways, those new paths through the social jungle.
One thing that you can do to help yourself deal with your social anxiety symptoms is employ some self-help strategies that will supplement any professional help that you receive. One of the best ways to take this route is through some simple lifestyle changes. Some suggested lifestyle changes include: avoiding or limiting your caffeine intake, moderating your alcoholic beverage intake, quitting smoking, and getting adequate amounts of sleep. Another method involves using specific self-talk to induce better responses in social situations.
Oxycontin Addiction Symptoms and Signs
Jan 2nd
Oxycontin is the brand name of one of the most powerful pain killers available today. Usually prescribed for cancer patients and people with chronic pain problems, Oxycontin is a synthetic opiate (opioid), whose main active ingredient is oxycodone. Like morphine, Oxycontin has mood altering effects. Specifically, it can reduce anxiety, encourage mental relaxation, and even induce a state of euphoria.
Oxycontin is currently a favorite of medical practitioners, being the most frequently prescribed opioid pain killer in North America. A controlled substance that requires a prescription in order to obtain it, the beneficial side effects of Oxycontin have made it a popular choice of recreational drug users as well. Since the drug was introduced in 1995, Oxycontin addiction has become a serious problem, so much so that its unlawful possession is subject to criminal prosecution.
Addiction to the drug tends to develop rather quickly. Most recreational users of the drug become addicts wittingly, with full knowledge of the effects of Oxycontin. However, there are many individuals who were prescribed the drug for legitimate pain reasons and who over a period of time formed a dependency to the drug. A person who takes Oxycontin repeatedly develops a tolerance to the drug’s effects. To achieve the original effects, higher doses are required. If the patient stops taking the drug, withdrawal occurs and this creates the typical symptoms of prescription drug abuse.
Some effects of Oxycontin abuse are:
- Small, pinpoint pupils
- Clammy, cold skin
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nodding in and out of consciousness
- Detachment, bewilderment, confusion
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Seizures
Respiratory depression is a serious short-term effect of Oxycontin. As breathing becomes slower and shallower, less oxygen is available to the person’s vital organs. The risk of respiratory arrest leading to death is increased in addicts who short-circuit the time release properties of the pill in order to get a more intense high. To achieve this, they crush the pill, mix the crushed powder with water, and inject it intravenously.
Equal or surpassing the physical effects of Oxycontin are the emotional and personal toll on the addict. Oxycontin abuse often leads to deteriorating interpersonal relationships, loss of productivity, financial difficulties, and sometimes legal problems.
The withdrawal symptoms of Oxycontin may include restlessness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, weakness, teary eyes, runny nose, excessive yawning, hot or cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, diarrhea, muscle spasms, and muscle and bone pain, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate.
Withdrawing from Oxycontin overuse or abuse is difficult to do alone. The pain that accompanies the process often leads one to giving up. Oxycontin treatment centers are the best places to seek detoxification from Oxycontin dependency.
Oxycontin detox centers assist the individual to gradually withdraw from their physical dependence on the drug while easing the painful withdrawal symptoms. Once detoxification has been accomplished, in house treatment in an Oxycontin rehab follows during which time the individual undergoes therapy and is taught strategies to diminish and control cravings for the drug.
When looking for an Oxycontin rehab center, it is advisable to look for one with a comprehensive Oxycontin addiction treatment programs not only starts the detoxification process but also puts the addict back on the road to recovery and a productive lifestyle. Browse a directory of prescription drug rehab centers.
High Blood Pressure Treatment – Symptoms, Change Diet and Natural Treatment
Jan 2nd
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats (about 50-60 times a minute at rest), it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure.
As the source of High Blood Pressure is generally stressed, the Alternative Treatment of High Blood Pressure teaches the patient a course in meditation. Another positive advantage of alternative treatment of high BP is that the patient gets relief, as s/he begins to increase the hours of meditation.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms: -
* Even if high blood pressure does cause symptoms, the symptoms are usually mild and nonspecific (vague or suggesting many different disorders).
* Alcohol addiction
* Blood pressure medication can be stopped when blood pressure is within normal limits.
* Thyroid dysfunction
* Thus, high blood pressure often is labeled “the silent killer.”
* People with high blood pressure can take any over the counter medication for cold and flu.
* Coarctation of the aorta – A narrowing of the aorta that you are born with that can cause high blood pressure in your arms
* Use of birth control pills
* People who have high blood pressure typically don’t know it until their blood pressure is measured.
* Chronic kidney disease
* Tumors or other diseases of the adrenal gland
Change of Diet: -
* Salt: – Too much salt in the food increases blood pressure, especially in salt-sensitive people.
* Fats and Oils: – Overall fat consumption and fatty acid levels have been found to have only a minimal direct influence on high blood pressure. But hypertension is frequently associated with other risk factors of atherosclerosis, e.g. with increased cholesterol.
Natural Treatment: -
* An advantage of an Alternative Treatment of High Blood Pressure is that the treatment can be undertaken without wasting time on establishing a diagnosis. Even herbal medicines for High Blood Pressure can be administered after a proper diagnosis, verifying the extent of the High Blood Pressure rise. An Alternative Treatment of High Blood Pressure is thus an easier option and can be undertaken in the most primitive conditions.
* Vitamin C have the effect of relieving symptoms of high blood-pressure and helping the body detoxify by removing toxic substances that can cause high blood pressure.
* Keeping fit through regular walking and exercise is a good and natural way of keeping High Blood Pressure in control. The lack of physical activity increases the risk of heart related problems and hence creates High Blood Pressure. Also, quitting and cutting down on smoking, is absolutely essential for High Blood Pressure sufferers.
* Tobacco products are horrible for your blood pressure. One of the natural remedies for high blood pressure includes cessation of smoking. By eliminating smoking from your daily routine, you’ll be doing your entire body a whole lot of good.
Understanding Social Anxiety Symptoms
Jan 2nd
Social anxiety disorder occurs when you become very anxious and overly self-conscious in what could be considered a normal social interaction. And, as a result, you suffer great emotional distress because you think that you are being judged and evaluated by other people. Social anxiety symptoms are likely to manifest themselves in the following situations: 1) you meet someone for the first time, 2) you get teased or criticized, 3) you are aware of being watched while you are doing something, 4) you become the center of attention for an extended period of time, 5) you are introduced to someone who is in a position of authority, 6) you participate in an ice-breaking activity that requires you to speak, or 7) you are involved in some type of interpersonal relationship. Now, while this list is pretty descriptive in giving you a general idea of what social disorder is, this list is by no means exhaustive. Most of the above situations will give rise to physical symptoms. You may sweat profusely, breathe fast, feel your heart pounding in your chest, and so on. As a result of the above, you may find yourself practicing the following behaviors so that you remain ‘safe’: 1) Speaking quietly or mumbling so no-one can hear you 2) Speaking quickly so you can “get it out of the way” 3) Not wanting to say anything that disagrees with anyone else because everyone will then look at you and you will feel embarressed 4) Avoiding eye contact because you know you will go red (and if you go red everyone will notice which will make you blush even more!) … and so on. If you seek professional medical help in dealing with your social anxiety symptoms, you may very well get prescribed either some type of medication and/or some type of psychotherapy or psychiatric therapy. The medications that are likely to be prescribed to you include, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as fluoxetine; tricyclics (such as imipramine); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as phenelzine); high-potency benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, and azapirone); and beta-blockers (such as propranolol).
The psychotherapy that is usually prescribed is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a very active and focused type of mental treatment. This particular therapy has been proven to be very successful in treating those who suffer with social anxiety. When you suffer from social disorder, it is not recommended that you force yourself to experience the types of social interactions that cause your distress. At the same time, it is not recommended that you avoid them altogether either. Instead, you should take your time to slowly and gradually work yourself up to the place where you really see yourself being eventually. One of the ways to do this is to find a way to re-think your interactions. Next time you find yourself in a social situation and you are feeling a little anxious, change your thoughts. Look at the first situation above. If you are about to meet someone, instead of thinking ‘they will find me boring and uninteresting’, change this to ‘I am going to give this person a warm smile and firm handshake. They will soon see what an interesting person I am.’ If you keep this up, these kind of positive thoughts will soon become second nature. Also, you can help yourself deal with your social anxiety symptoms by using the following self-help strategies: try to avoid or limit your caffeine intake, moderate your alcoholic beverage intake, quit smoking, and get yourself adequate amounts of sleep.
