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How To Overcome Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health issue that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can make it tough to do basic things, like talking on the phone or meeting new people. The symptoms can range from a few hours to most days of the week and disrupt social, occupational, and other areas of your life.

By WarishaPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
How To Overcome Social Anxiety
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Why is Social Anxiety a Disorder?

It's what we feel when we're worried about something important or when we're in a situation that makes us feel uncomfortable. But for some people, anxiety can be so intense and constant that it interferes with their daily lives.

Social anxiety disorder is more than just being a bit shy or feeling anxious in social situations. It's a real and disabling condition that can cause a great deal of distress. It can make it very hard to work, study, make friends, and date.

There are many different treatments for social anxiety disorder, including medication, therapy, and self-help strategies. With treatment, most people with social anxiety disorder can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

What Causes Social Anxiety?

There are many different factors that can contribute to social anxiety. It may be caused by genetics, brain chemistry, or life experiences. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone if you suffer from social anxiety. Many people struggle with this condition.

One of the most common causes of social anxiety is a fear of judgment. You may worry that people will think you’re stupid, boring, or weird. This can lead you to avoid social situations altogether. Or, if you do go to a party or event, you may spend the whole time worrying about what other people think of you.

Another common cause of social anxiety is a fear of embarrassment. You may be afraid of saying or doing something embarrassing in front of other people. This can make it hard to relax and enjoy yourself in social situations.

How to Improve your Self Esteem

If you suffer from social anxiety, you're not alone. In fact, it's estimated that around 15 million people in the United States suffer from this condition. While social anxiety can be debilitating, there are things you can do to improve your self-esteem and overcome your fears.

One of the best things you can do to improve your self-esteem is to focus on your positive qualities. Write down a list of things you like about yourself, both physically and personality-wise. When you're feeling down about yourself, refer back to this list and remind yourself of all the great things about yourself.

In addition to focusing on your positive qualities and spending time with supportive people, there are a number of other things you can do to boost your self-esteem. Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and take care of your physical appearance. All of these things will help you feel better about yourself and give you the confidence to face your fears.

How to Work on your Negative Thoughts.

Negative thinking is one of the main symptoms of social anxiety. If you can learn to control and change your thoughts, you can reduce your anxiety and improve your life.

Here are some tips for how to work on your negative thoughts:

1. Identify the types of negative thoughts that make you anxious.

2. Write down your negative thoughts in a journal.

3. Challenge your negative thoughts by asking yourself if they are really true.

4. Practice positive self-talk to help control your anxiety.

How to Deal with Social Situations

When it comes to social anxiety, there are a lot of ways to deal with the situation.

Safety Planning

If you're someone who struggles with social anxiety, then you know how difficult it can be to put yourself out there. It's easy to feel like you're the only one who feels this way, but the truth is that many people deal with some form of social anxiety. The good news is that there are things you can do to help manage your anxiety and make social situations more bearable.

One tool that can be helpful is safety planning. This involves identifying situations that make you anxious and coming up with a plan for how to cope with them. For example, if you're anxious about going to a party, you might make a plan to arrive early and talk to people you know before the party gets too crowded. Or, if you're anxious about attending a networking event, you might make a plan to bring a friend along or have an exit strategy in mind in case the event becomes too overwhelming.

Conclusion

The good news is that there are things you can do to ease your symptoms and regain control of your life. With commitment and perseverance, you can overcome social anxiety and live a fulfilling life.

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About the Creator

Warisha

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