Have you ever walked into a crowded room, and suddenly you feel as if you don’t know how to move? You start to wonder where to position your arms, and your thoughts are racing about who you should talk to, trying to simply act ‘normal’. And yet, you feel like everyone is judging you.
If you can relate to this scenario, then you are in the right place!
In this article, I will be breaking down:
- What is Social Anxiety
- How Do I Know If I Have Social Anxiety
- How to Cope with Social Anxiety
- Learning to accept
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by an extreme fear of social situations. And it may show up differently from person to person. For some, it may be very obvious and others not so much.
Having Social Anxiety often makes a person more aware of themselves and how they could or will be perceived by others.
It can be particularly difficult if you haven’t put a name (label) to it as it can make you feel like there is something ‘wrong’ with you. I’m here to assure you that there isn’t anything wrong with you!
But how can you know for sure it’s Social Anxiety?
How Do I Know If I Have Social Anxiety?
You most likely have social anxiety if you feel a deep fear of being judged. Or if it takes you a great amount of effort to take part in social interactions. Another common attribute is constantly replaying conversations or ’embarrassing’ situations in your head after they have taken place.
And if you experience severe distress before any social event, you probably have social anxiety.
You can receive a diagnosis for SAD. There is an option to take medication. Medication won’t magically ‘fix’ you ,however, it may help you cope.
Social Anxiety can be caused by various reasons such as:
• Childhood Trauma
Yes, trauma can impair your ability to feel secure. The environment a child grows up in can affect their emotional development.
• Bullying
When bullying occurs at a young age or during adolescence it can form a lasting emotional impact which can form a fear of judgement or humiliation in social interactions.
Although having social anxiety is difficult and there is no ‘cure’, there are for sure ways you can cope!
How to Cope With Social Anxiety
A big part of having social anxiety is the negative thoughts that are constantly swarming in your mind. You feel like you just want to stop it, but you can’t.
Everywhere you go, it’s there.
But what we need to remind ourselves of is that most of the time we are judging ourselves much more than anyone else is.
So, that moment where you felt you were awkward. Others probably just thought of you as a kind and genuine person. However, it is totally normal to feel awkward in a place where you are not comfortable. Actually, that is most likely the reason that you might be feeling awkward in the first place.
A little trick that helped me immensely growing up with social anxiety (which is actually quite ironic). It involves making an effort to concentrate on your surroundings rather than on yourself. When you next find yourself in any social event or interaction, try to notice something you can compliment about someone. And remember, it is completely okay to be by yourself (no matter where you are) and if you ever need a break, take one.
And if you feel you don’t want to be there anymore, it’s perfectly okay to leave!
Learning To Accept
Although this is easier said than done, I can assure you that it is not impossible!
It is easier to do so the more you learn to be comfortable in your own skin and to learn to enjoy your own company. When you truly love the amazing being that you are, it’s far easier to accept.
And everyone knows that it is easy to be around good company! When you spend time with people that care and love you for you, it becomes easy to relax and be yourself.
Even though, there may be times where we have to put up with people that can make life difficult. If you have a choice to cut them out, do it. But if you don’t, spend your energy on what uplifts you and concentrate on that instead!
Social Anxiety is something you have, not something that defines you! Your mind’s protecting you is all.
And if you’ve made it this far, I want to take a moment to introduce myself… hi I’m Diana.
You are safe here!
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