How to Overcome Social Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms. You might not deal with constant anxious thoughts negatively impacting your life. But, if you often get anxious in social settings to the point where you tend to avoid them, it could be a sign of social anxiety. 

Social anxiety is a mental health condition that causes social interactions to cause extreme fear and worry. Everyday interactions can become overwhelming as you worry about embarrassment, shame, and what others might think. 

Obviously, it’s no way to live, and it can prevent you from having real, meaningful relationships. 

Thankfully, it’s possible to overcome social anxiety with the right help and strategy. Let’s cover a few useful tips you can put into place right away. 

Understand the Symptoms

It can be easy for some people to “brush off” social anxiety as something else. You might think you’re just introverted or you don’t prefer social situations. But, there’s a difference between preferring your alone time and living in fear over social settings. 

With that in mind, some of the most common symptoms of social anxiety include worrying about humiliation, fearing you might offend someone, or fear of judgment. Those invasive thoughts and worries can also lead to physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat. 

When you understand the symptoms and where the negative thoughts are coming from, you can take active steps toward challenging them. That’s a great starting point when it comes to overcoming social anxiety. 

Take Baby Steps

You probably know what triggers your social anxiety, and what makes you feel overwhelmed. Exposing yourself to those situations can be helpful in “getting over it,” but don’t feel pressured to dive in head-first. 

Take baby steps as you try to overcome your anxiety. If you know the situations that trigger you, introduce yourself to them slowly. Make sure you have an escape plan or a way to calm down if things get overwhelming. 

Before you put yourself in an anxiety-inducing social setting, practice with people you’re comfortable with. Try a role-playing session with a few close family members or friends. It can help to take the uncertainty and “what-ifs” out of the situation and make you more confident. 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Self-soothing is a fantastic way to fight back against anxiety of any kind. If you find yourself unable to escape your triggers, it’s important to be able to relax in the moment. Practicing relaxation techniques every day can make it easier to regain control of your thoughts and fears. 

Different techniques work well for different people. Don’t be afraid to experiment to determine what works for you. Things like meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and yoga are all great places to start. 

Relaxation techniques can also be a part of your self-care routine. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying physically active are all forms of self-care that can improve your mental well-being and help you feel less stressed. 

Talk to Someone

Often, the first step in overcoming any type of anxiety is getting to its root. Your social anxiety stems from somewhere. It could even be traced as far back as childhood if you were bullied or rejected. Other common causes include family conflicts, trauma, or abuse. 

Whatever the case, understanding the underlying cause will give you a starting point to heal and grow. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it on your own. 

Working with a therapist can help you in a variety of ways. You’ll have a safe space dedicated to better understanding your anxiety and someone who can help you learn how to overcome it. 

Social anxiety doesn’t have to control your life forever. Consider making an appointment and taking back your social life. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how therapy can help you manage your social anxiety, feel free to contact me for more information.

Click here for more information on anxiety therapy.