Social Anxiety in a nutshell
What is Social Anxiety?
Extreme distress or impairment due to the fear of being judged negatively by others. Oftentimes the person with social anxiety doesn’t want their anxiety symptoms to be seen by others.
Social Anxiety Symptoms
Physical symptoms: Blushing, sweating, stuttering, freezing, racing heart, tightness in chest or throat
Intense worrying for days, weeks, or even months before a social event
Playing out conversations in preparation to socialize
Overanalyzing and being self critical after social interaction
Avoiding social situations to the point it’s limiting your activities or affecting your life
Safety Behaviors for Social Anxiety
A safety behaviour is something that gives an individual a false feeling of safety. They use the behaviour as a crutch to help themselves navigate through their anxiety. The issue is that they ONLY feel capable of pushing through their anxiety with the safety behaviour.
Common Safety Behaviours
Wearing sunglasses or having their hood up (to seem less visible)
Drinking alcohol/drugs to feel less anxious before a social interaction
Wearing neutral clothes to not draw attention to oneself
Attending social events only with their partner or safety person
Choosing certain seating to seem less visible or to have an easy escape route
Common Social Anxiety Triggers
Being centre of attention
Being observed (eating or drinking)
Performing in front of others (giving a speech)
Being teased or criticised
Meeting new people
Saying something while in a group of people
Interacting outside your comfort element (seeing someone you know in public)
Using public restrooms
Talking with important people or authority figures
Taking exams
Tips on Overcoming Social Anxiety?
Be more self accepting! You have lots to offer. Be proud of yourself instead of comparing your interactions to others
Focus on the present moment. Being grounded can help you detach from your consuming thoughts and feelings
Approach the interaction with love instead of fear. S.A has a lot to do with safety and trust. Going in with love will allow you to be less guarded and not feel like you’re being attacked
Focus your attention externally instead of internally. Be curious about them and try to bring positive energy to their day
Lastly and most importantly, work on creating a kinder relationship with yourself. People with S.A often have automatic negative thinking patterns. This is often due to strict rigid rules that the person has created for themselves. You don’t have to be so hard on yourself!
If you are someone that is struggling with social anxiety, you can book a free consult with me and get the support that you deserve!