How to overcome social anxiety disorder and severe anxiety?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 21 years old. I have been suffering from social anxiety disorder for almost 10 years. I am not able to do well in certain situations. And because I am clumsy or weird, I do not have any friends till now. I am so scared that I will not have any friends and live alone like this forever. I get anxious just when I get out of my home. My hands start to shake, and my palms always get sweaty, and because of this, I cannot do my job well in taking care of the patients. Please give me some pills to reduce my symptoms and be calm or to reduce my anxiety.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I read your case, and I can understand your situation. You may have an anxiety disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it. You should try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you.

Do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes, like at least going for a walk. It will boost your confidence.
You should meditate for 20 minutes daily, sit comfortably, and try to concentrate on your normal breathing. Do not stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts. Just let it be. It will reduce anxiety.
You should eat healthy home-cooked food and avoid junk food.
You must drink enough water.
You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family.
You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
You must avoid tobacco or alcohol, or any substance abuse.
Live your life, do not just spend it.
Be bold and confident.

If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for four to six weeks, we will start medications for you. Try the above tips.

You must do the following blood reports and follow-ups.

The investigation to be done is complete blood count (CBC), thyroid profile, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3.

Please, let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.