| There is no doubt that suffering from social anxiety | | | | is probably one that is self destructive, because you |
| disorder always takes a tremendous toll on the lives of | | | | expect yourself to act perfectly in all situations. If you |
| those suffering from it. Having been there myself, I | | | | try to change this attitude, you will change the |
| know how the constant fear of going out among | | | | expectations of your own behavior, and thus alleviate |
| people can almost drive you insane. However, the | | | | the feeling of having to be perfect all the time. |
| worst part (at least it was for me) is the frustration of | | | | One way to do this is to say positive things to yourself, |
| knowing that every single time you go outside that | | | | to override the negative and self-critical voices. Ask |
| door, you risk social awkwardness and panic attacks. | | | | yourself: "Why should I be perfect when no one is?" |
| And the frustration of not being able to stop it may | | | | Because you know that this is true, you kind of reveal |
| very well be the worst feeling in the world. | | | | the irrationality of your own fears. |
| To make this feeling a little bit easier to live with, I have | | | | 3. You don't have to be a talker to bring presence to |
| come up with some things you can do to hopefully | | | | the gathering. Being a good listener is an easy way to |
| make socializing easier. Now I am aware that the | | | | be present without really being the centre of attention, |
| panic attacks may come with a wide range of | | | | and make them like you fast. This is a technique I use |
| symptoms, but I will try to give tips on how to best | | | | a lot, and helps me in some way stay connected to |
| prepare for, and suppress that general feeling of | | | | people around me. |
| discomfort that occurs around other people. You can | | | | One of the dirty little secrets about people in general is |
| very well call them my natural remedies for | | | | that they really love to talk about themselves and their |
| overcoming social anxiety. | | | | own interests. If you keep asking interesting and open |
| 1. When you are at a social event, try to force yourself | | | | questions, they will keep talking to you and love you for |
| to be more outgoing. You have to realize that your | | | | the interest you show. This is how you can hold a |
| fears are irrational, and that they will not materialize. | | | | conversation for a very long time by just asking a few |
| Next time you are in a group of people, try first talking | | | | questions. |
| to one person. The next time you can chat with two. | | | | I really hope you will try out some of these techniques. |
| Pushing your own boundaries and fears like this will | | | | They have worked for me, and really offered me a |
| help you cope with your social anxiety, once you | | | | chance to cope with my social anxiety disorder. |
| realize that your fears are unrealistic. Now I know this | | | | Learning what triggers your fear will put you in a |
| is hard to do, and don't be disappointed in yourself if | | | | position to control your anxiety. Self-treatment for |
| you don't have the guts the first few times. Make it a | | | | social anxiety disorder is not at all impossible; it just |
| habit to at least consider pushing yourself every time, | | | | requires you to summon the guts to do so. Now I |
| and at finally you will be able to do it. | | | | would be very happy if you put these techniques to |
| 2. Try out a new attitude. The attitude you have now | | | | use. Good luck! |