How To Overcome Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can be a very debilitating condition that can negatively affect your quality of life. There are literally millions of people who suffer from some form of social anxiety from being in crowds or groups or even when paying for something at the store. People with social anxiety disorder have a hard time making friends and getting to know new people because they do not expose themselves to situations where they can benefit from meeting new people.
The good news is that this disorder is not a life sentence and steps can be taken to help overcome social anxiety. It does take work but with persistence and practice, anyone can overcome this condition. Here are some things that can be done the next time you attend a function where you feel socially anxious.
1. Ask someone you know to come with you to functions or any situation where you feel uncomfortable. This can be your spouse or even your therapist as long as it is someone that you trust fully.
2. When you get there, survey the situation and realize that there are no dangers involved and if you start having a reaction such as sweating, shakes etc. that this is merely fear and that nothing is going to happen to you. Rely on your trusted friend to guide you and to reassure you that everything is alright and that there is nothing to fear.
3. Realize and trust in your heart that whatever happens you will be able to deal with it. This could be embarrassment or fear but you will understand that life will go on and that you are resilient and will fight through it.
4. If after being in the situation for at least five minutes you still feel very anxious, leave the environment for a little while and calm down. Then return to the situation and see how you react. Do this as many times as necessary until you are accustomed to the situation and begin to feel more comfortable.
If you remember these things every time you are entering a situation that you know you will be anxious in, you will begin to not feel as anxious as your body will become accustomed to the anxiety and you will be able to control it better. Social anxiety can be tough to overcome but by doing these things and trying to put yourself into as many situations as you can, you will beat anxiety and soon may not believe the person you have become.
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- Posted by Linda
- Tagged Anxiety
