Introduction

Having social anxiety can be tough. It can make social situations feel overwhelming and stressful. In this blog post, we will explore some coping strategies and support resources to help you navigate social anxiety.

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is when you feel really scared and stressed in social situations. It can make you want to avoid social activities, and that can affect your everyday life. Here are a few things to know about social anxiety:

• What is it? Social anxiety is when you feel really worried about what others might think of you in social situations.

• What triggers it? Things like parties, speaking in public, meeting new people, or being the center of attention can make social anxiety worse.

• What happens? When you have social anxiety, your body might react with a fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, blushing, or an upset stomach.

• How does it make you feel? Social anxiety can make you feel embarrassed, not good enough, and make your self-esteem go down.

Coping Strategies for Social Anxiety

Dealing with social anxiety is possible. Here are five things you can do to help manage social anxiety:

1. Take deep breaths: When you feel anxious, try taking slow deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose, hold it for a moment, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. This can help you calm down.

2. Be kind to yourself: Instead of thinking negative thoughts, try saying positive things to yourself. Remind yourself of your strengths and focus on being kind to yourself. This can help build your confidence.

3. Take small steps: Facing your fears a little bit at a time can be helpful. Start with small, manageable social situations and gradually challenge yourself to face bigger ones. Celebrate your successes along the way!

4. Relax your body: Try doing things that help your body relax, like meditation, listening to calming music, or tensing and then relaxing your muscles one by one. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and make you feel calmer.

5. Ask for support: Reach out to people you trust, like family or friends, and let them know how you're feeling. They can offer understanding and support. You can also join support groups or talk to a mental health professional who can give you helpful strategies.

Support Resources for Social Anxiety

If you need extra support, here are some resources that can help:

• Therapy Services: Consider talking to a therapist who specializes in anxiety. They can help you learn new strategies to cope with social anxiety. A type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often helpful for social anxiety.

• Online Communities: Joining online communities or forums dedicated to social anxiety can connect you with others who understand what you're going through. It can be comforting to share experiences and get support.

• Self-Help Books: Look for books that focus on social anxiety and anxiety management. They can provide valuable insights and practical techniques to help you cope.

• Mobile Apps: There are mobile apps available that offer tools for managing anxiety, relaxation exercises, and guided meditation. These can be useful in your journey to manage social anxiety.

• Helplines: In times of crisis or when you need immediate support, helplines like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline or the Crisis Text Line can provide assistance.

Conclusion

Social anxiety can be tough, but you're not alone. By practicing coping strategies like deep breathing, being kind to yourself, taking small steps, relaxing your body, and seeking support, you can manage social anxiety and improve your well-being. Remember to explore the support resources available, such as therapy services, online communities, self-help books, mobile apps, and helplines. With time and support, you can overcome the challenges of social anxiety and live a fulfilling life.

You have the strength to face social anxiety and find strategies that work best for you. Take one step at a time and be kind to yourself along the way. You deserve happiness and meaningful connections. You're not alone in this journey!

Thank you for reading. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to speak with someone about SHIFTing your mental health journey.

By: Dodrie Escoffery, Associate therapist, SHIFT Your Journey Mental Health Counseling