In the U.S. alone, about 7% of adults deal with social anxiety. It is a condition defined by an intense fear of social situations. Typically, people with social anxiety are concerned that they are being judged or criticized by others. Those concerns and anxious thoughts can make it difficult to be a part of nearly any social setting.
People with social anxiety might try to completely avoid these settings. Or, they might endure them while facing extreme distress under the surface. While social anxiety is a mental health issue, it can wreak havoc on nearly every aspect of your life, including your physical well-being.
If you continue to try to endure or “get over” social anxiety on your own, it could have a negative impact on everything from school or work to your personal relationships and overall quality of life. Thankfully, with the right help and support, it’s possible to get over social anxiety. Let’s look at a few strategies that can make a difference.
Challenge Your Thoughts
The first step in getting over social anxiety is recognizing what triggers you. Are there certain situations, settings, or even people that cause you to start worrying?
When you know the source of your anxiety, you can start to actively challenge the negative thoughts trying to creep in. Chances are, many of those thoughts are irrational or unrealistic. Ask yourself the likelihood of something “bad” happening, and choose to replace negative scenarios with positive ones.
If negative self-talk is a problem, focus on your strengths. Engage in things that boost your self-confidence, and don’t hesitate to celebrate life’s small victories. The better you feel about yourself, the less fear you’ll hold onto regarding people judging you.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care practices will continue to help you recognize your value while reducing stress and the effects of anxiety. Self-care looks different for everyone. Start by being self-compassionate and giving yourself grace during the moments when you’re feeling low.
Making self-care part of your daily routine can boost your confidence and make it easier to focus on your strengths. Things like exercising, journaling, and mindfulness are great ways to incorporate healthy practices that are designed to improve your quality of life.
Relaxation techniques, including meditation, can also make it easier to gradually face your fears while focusing on the present moment. You don’t have to jump into giant social situations head-first. However, gradual exposure can help a lot, allowing you to feel a bit more in control while recognizing that others aren’t shaming or judging you behind your back.
Seek Out Support
Having a support system in your corner makes a huge difference when you’re struggling with social anxiety.
This kind of anxiety doesn’t mean you don’t want or need healthy relationships. If you feel like friends or family members don’t quite understand what you’re going through, consider joining a support group. Being around others who can share their experiences about social anxiety might help to shift your perspective or give you hope about a less fearful future. Seeing people at different stages of healing is often very eye-opening and helpful.
The best thing you can do, however, is to work with a mental health professional. Social anxiety can often be managed with the right help. Going through anxiety therapy will give you the tools you need to challenge negative thought patterns while learning healthy, effective coping skills.
You don’t have to live in the dark, away from social situations, just because of fear. If you’re ready to start taking steps forward to combat the effects of social anxiety, I’m here to help. Contact me today to set up a consultation.
