Do you ever feel like you could vanish from the public? Like you could avoid being noticed by people or even avoid interacting with anyone. Feeling like this could mean that you’re dealing with social anxiety.
The Mayo Clinic defines social anxiety as a mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety. They argue that for people with social anxiety disorder, everyday social interactions cause irrational anxiety, fear, self-consciousness and embarrassment.
In most common cases, social anxiety stems from the fear of being judged or when a lot of attention will be placed on you. It also stems from worry about embarrassment or humiliation or concern about offending someone.
In some cases, what comes easy and naturally for most people, like talking to people, asking a waiter for a serviette, opening up about your dissatisfaction at the salon and even making friends, is extremely difficult for people who suffer from social anxiety.
This can be extremely exhausting and instead of taking antidepressants to help with this condition, here are some steps from Healthline you can take to overcome social anxiety.
Talk with a therapist
According to research, dealing with social anxiety goes beyond just being shy or an introvert. There are underlying mental issues that a therapist could help you identify and ultimately improve on.
Challenge negative thoughts
Most of the time your mind is truly just playing games and lying to you. Don’t entertain negative thoughts. Your mind will probably tell you that everyone is looking at everything that is wrong with you when in actual fact, that isn’t what people are looking at when they see you.
Take small steps
When it comes to managing social anxiety, it’s just fine to start with little changes. Start with changing the way you think about certain situations. Instead of being nervous about a work event, be excited about what you could get out of it and as a chance to get to know your colleagues better. You don’t have to strike up a conversation with everyone you meet but be more open to people speaking to you and overtime, practise initiating those conversations.
Try relaxation techniques
Relaxation exercises can help calm these physical reactions, making it easier to manage worry, fear, and the other emotional symptoms you experience. Or even treat yourself to some pampering, like massages. According to Mayo clinic, massages can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety. It can also improve your mood and help you with relaxation which ultimately will increasing confidence and self-image
Also see: What everyone should know about social media and body image
