Do you experience Social Anxiety?

• Jennifer Wheeler
• April 7, 2019

Social Anxiety

People who are socially anxious tend to avoid social gatherings, places where they may feel judged by other people. 

When they do have to attend a gathering they may try to avoid speaking to other people. Maybe you are introverted but have no trouble speaking to people on a one to one basis. Why? One of the reasons suggested by researchers is that it is easy to look them in the eye.

In a group situation paying attention to people  is necessary so that you can know what is going right. When we are anxious we feel quite vulnerable and self-conscious however facing this fear being perfectly aware of how you might be hurt is an important step to overcoming your fear.

As you face this fear again and again you don’t necessarily get less afraid; you get braver. This approach of the uncertain is a tonic for self-esteem. You are able to view yourself as courageous and this is a comfort for you at times when you are feeling challenged.

Strategies to assist in overcoming social anxiety

Describe what it is you are afraid of.

• Relaxation and slow breathing to reduce the symptoms of anxiety such as rapid breathing, sweating and sometimes feeling sick.

What is your belief about the situation?

Anxiety is usually preceded by a number of unhelpful self statements which become a habit such as the following.

Jumping to conclusions.

• We assume we know what someone else is thinking and a. we make predictions about what is going to happen in the future.

Catastrophising.

• When we blow things out of proportion and we regard the situation b. as terrible, awful even though in reality the situation is relatively minor.

Mental Filter

• This way of thinking means that we filter in the negative parts of the c. picture and filter out the positive parts

Labelling.

• We label ourselves and others when we make global statements based on d. our behaviour in specific situations.

Challenging and changing unhelpful thoughts.

Approaching the situation that you fear rather than avoiding.

Being kind to yourself. Understand that this will take time. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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