In today’s society, we are constantly socializing with others. Whether it’s at school, work, or even online we tend to lead very social lives. However, for people with social anxiety disorder, every day can be a challenge that really takes a toll on their mental health. 

First of all, what is social anxiety? Social anxiety disorder is a mental condition which causes a significant amount of anxiety before social events. People suffering from this will often fear interacting with others, worry about embarrassing themselves in public, and tend to avoid social situations. While living with social anxiety is difficult, there are several ways to cope with it.

     1. Start small

Social anxiety isn’t something that can be fixed overnight. In order to make progress, you have to start small. For example, instead of using the self-checkout at the store, you can pay with a cashier. You can also simply compliment someone or ask a question in class. From there, you can continue to improve and make progress with socializing.

    2. Breathe

For some people, social interactions can cause them to panic resulting in hyperventilation or shortness of breath.. This is where breathing exercises come in. Before social events, try taking several deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose and hold your breath for three seconds. Then  slowly exhale. Do this several times until you feel more relaxed. This is just one example of a breathing technique, there are several more out there that you can find online. 

    3. Listen to podcasts

Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn more about social anxiety while also getting advice on how to handle it. There are hundreds of podcasts available on several streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music. Two great podcasts available on Spotify are “Social Anxiety Solutions” and “Social Anxiety Remedy”.

     4. Get rid of negative thoughts

Negative thoughts are the leading cause of anxiety before social situations. People tend to worry about getting criticized or doing something that will humiliate them. Instead of letting these thoughts control you, try to get rid of them. Make sure to be aware of when these thoughts occur and try to replace them with more positive thoughts.

     5. Seek extra help when needed

If you feel you need more support from others, ask your family or friends to assist you in social events. There are also several helpful apps and websites available online.

When your social anxiety seems like it is too much to handle, try talking to a healthcare provider or therapist. Remember, social anxiety is something that can be fixed and something that no one should have to struggle with alone.