Suggest Treatment For Social Anxiety

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Question: What's the best way to feel calm? I have social anxiety, leaving the front door can be hard. I have to visit neighbours tomorrow to help with something. How do I do it? Please advise. Also, I am trying vitamin C in high doses after reading it lowers cortisol. It seems to make me feel much calmer (if not placebo), so when should I take this before leaving for best to work, and what dose? I've read about 1g to 7g online. Advise for all this please. I get worried about little things like this as I'm not use to them and have anxiety. Things go around my mind like "what will they think of me" "what if they think im ugly" "what if.. etc" Still. I cannot avoid these situations.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

The best way to overcome these feelings is to explore these feelings and automatic thoughts in-depth through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is the best treatment available for social anxiety. Much more so than any medication available. Vitamin C is a placebo, so 1g would be fine. If there is no CBT therapist in your area, I do offer text-based CBT on this site via my private link posted below.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (9 minutes later)

Hi, yes CBT training I've heard about, can it be done online? And what do you think about this research done on VC https://www.YYYYY.com/articles/200304/vitamin-c-stress-buster

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, I do offer text-based CBT-oriented therapy via my private link on this website. I'd be happy to work with you in this setting!

That study is small, only 120 people, and needs to be replicated. I would be skeptical.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 hours later)

I believe there were also at least two other studies done on Vitamin C and cortisol. Both 5HTP and Phenylalanine have noticeable affects for me. I was surprised that vitamin C might also. Gaba didn't work for me (cannot pass bloodbrain barrier like the other two?).
Some studies claim to take 5G Vitamin C in a day. Is that also safe (gradually)?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Vitamin C 5g daily is not dangerous. I think it is unlikely to be helpful, but it wouldn't be unsafe.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (34 minutes later)

Thanks for advice. I am taking the Vit C to lower cortisol, I feel it works, at least a little.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcome!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

Dr. Sheppe

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad