How To Socialize When You Have Social Anxiety
It’s hard to socialize when you have social anxiety. It doesn’t mean you don’t want to socialize at all though. Here are some tips to help you socialize more comfortably:
Go to events
Don’t feel pressured to go clubing or to parties if you’re not comfortable in those sort of social events. Instead go to places like book clubs, poetry readings or any place that is of interest to you where you can meet people. If you’re in university going to those special lectures that are held or joining a club will help you find people with similar interests who are more relaxed/less extroverted which can be a lot less draining and quite enjoyable.
Take breaks
Don’t overdo it with the socializing. Even though it’s good to socialize make sure you’re not draining yourself by not prioritizing your mental health. Make sure to take some me time as well which will actually help you socialize better since you’ll be more refreshed.
Take baby steps
Don’t rush into it, instead try to take baby steps to ease yourself into being more social. When you push yourself too far out of your comfort zone you may end up doing more damage then good. Instead take your time until you’re comfortable being more social and don’t get as anxious about it. Try talking to one new person or simply say hi to someone to start out with.
Be honest and genuine
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not because it can be exhausting and make your anxiety worse. Like I mentioned earlier don’t do something you won’t necessarily do in general like go to a random party. Instead try to find people you genuinely like who have similar interests. I cant speak for everyone but I’ve found that people I can have a genuine conversation with and who I can be myself around are so much less draining and anxiety inducing.
Seek help
If you feel as though you are having serious trouble with your social anxiety or any other mental health problem for that reason please seek help from a professional.
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Great post. Thoroughly enjoyed it 🌸👍🏼
Thank you!
I am very honest about this and tell people that sometimes I just need to take a break from people and socialising; ‘need some people free time’, I work in an industry characterised by introverts (libraries), so that might be part of the reason why everyone seems to understand the need to have some down time away from people. Nice post.
Its nice that your colleagues understand and yeah some times you just need to take a break from people!
I suggest being in small places in small groups that give you a place to breathe. Quiet can also calm the nerves.
That’s true that definitely helps.
Such a great post, and very helpful. Going to events is a huge challenge and also a huge accomplishment once we actually go to them. Often I want to go to events, but then make up some kind of excuse as to why I can’t sign up etc.
Thanks and I do that too but I’m trying to stop and do more new things.
Good advice Pooj. Social anxiety has such an impact on life!
Thanks Opher!
Helps! Recently got diagnosed with SAD
Sorry about that but just know that you’re not alone!
Very good tips. Well written 👍
Thank you!
Its a hrad work with yourself:)
It is!
Great post! Social anxiety is the worst
Thanks and yes it is!
Great post and very useful for me!
Thanks, Pooja!
Thanks glad to hear you found it helpful!
Great post. When it comes to events I am afraid to be at but I have to go, asking a lot of questions helps. Having something with you that can reduce anxiety makes it easier.
Yeah that helps for me as well. I usually talk to friends on my phone because that helps calm me down.
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
TAKING BABY STEPS====HOW BIG OF YOU! (GREAT ARTICLE!)
Thank you!!
😀
Going to an event with people that has similar interests is really helpful for me. You’ve written great tips!
Thank you and I’ve found that helpful too!
That’s great!
Great post.
I like this tips. Very useful.
I’m sure it will help many.
Great work!! 👏
Thank you!
I have to refer this to a couple of friends, thanks
Hope it helps them!
It was a start
Very helpful, I’m glad I came across this! I have social anxiety and it effects my every day life, from school to work. It prevents me from asking my instructors questions on assignments, and prevents me from contacting my boss with certain things about work, because I feel at though I am a burden on everyone around me. I don’t like being disliked. I have a fear of people hating me, or judging me, or worse, being openly hostile towards me. I’ve trained myself since middle school to sit quietly and nothing bad will happen. Now it’s ruining my adult life and enough is enough!
Yeah I really relate to what you have been going through. I still have similar feeling quite often but I am trying really hard to not let them control me. All the best on your journey and I know you will win against your anxiety!
This is a really great post. It is hard to be someone that really enjoys socializing but has anxiety. There are times when I go to events and do great and there are times when I can’t. It’s nice to see some tips for when I just can’t handle it! Thanks!
Yeah anxiety definitely fluctuates but these really help me when anxiety decides to act up!
Great post!!! I will be sharing this information with my sister!!!!!
Hope it helps her!
thanks for the useful advice! it seems as if the key is finding those people and places where you are most comfortable.
Yes exactly that really helps!
That’s a great topic to discuss. Love it! 😍
Thank you!
Welcome! ☺
great post. When I attended kings college I joined an anxiety support group and it helped a lot. Id recommend groups for anyone because not feeling alone with anxiety is so important. Great post. It will help many people 🙂 thanks for sharing #mentalhealth 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the post and yes I totally agree having people who are going through something similar/have been through something similar is really helpful and support groups are a great place to find people you can talk to.
I strongly believe in that 3rd step and thanks for this answer for someone like me. It was amazing.
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Any tips for a situation when one is forced into attending social events in the workplace?!
I would suggest mentally preparing for it and trying calming techniques like deep breathing when you start feeling anxious. Hope that helps!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Hope it helps!