Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Cope with Social Anxiety Disorder. Does the thought of walking into a party or
bar alone paralyze you with fear? Try these confidence boosters. You will need Perspective
Self-acceptance Therapy Support group and anti-anxiety medication (optional). Step 1.
Put things in perspective. Do you really think everyone in the room is worrying about _you_?
They’re all way too busy thinking about themselves. Remember, you wouldn’t worry
so much what people thought of you if you knew how little they did! Step 2. Evaluate
your anxious thoughts realistically. If you’re uneasy talking in front of a group of people,
identify the negative thought underlying your anxiety, like "Everyone will think I’m stupid."
Ask yourself, is this thought productive or helping me? How do I know for sure that everyone
will think that? Challenge your negative thought by replacing it with something more realistic
and positive. Step 3. When you feel anxious during a social interaction, redirect your
focus to really pay attention to what the other person is saying, instead of how anxious
you feel. Step 4. Take care of yourself physically. Get enough sleep, do some exercise, and take
on a practice such as yoga or meditation. Being well-rested will make you less susceptible
to anxiety, and exercise and meditation are both great outlets for your nerves. Step 5.
Reduce your substance intake. Limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which all can increase
your level of anxiety. Step 6. Consider getting counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy,
which is based on the idea that changing the way you think can change the way you feel,
has been shown to be the most effective psychological intervention for social anxiety. And a medical
doctor can judge whether your disorder merits anti-anxiety medication. Support groups and
group therapy can help you feel less isolated by your anxiety. Step 7. Work on your social
skills a little every day: Strike up a conversation with a clerk, pay a stranger a compliment,
speak up in class or at the office. Then take on bigger challenges, like eating in a restaurant
alone. Did you know 7 percent of American adults have social anxiety -- that’s 15
million people.