Social anxiety disorder affects almost 13% of the US population. SAD affects people in a way that they find it difficult to make and maintain friendships, finding jobs and maintaining careers, finding life partners, and even making it through the trivial everyday things of life.
This anxiety disorder can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medications. However, there are also self-help measures you can do to overcome social anxiety.
Here are 5 activities you can do to overcome social anxiety:
1. Get help
The first step to conquering social anxiety disorder is acknowledging you need help. Do not be embarrassed to see a doctor or contact a mental health hotline such as this one from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
2. Get yourself out there
If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, it can be pretty tempting to detach from all social situations. However, if you want to overcome this disorder, you need to get yourself out there. Say yes to friends inviting you for a dinner out or a cousin’s birthday party, and then mentally prepare yourself to handle being “out there.”
3. Get a journal
Overcoming social anxiety involves commitment to specific goals. One way to do this is to write them down so they become real and measurable.
One part of setting goals is deciding where you want to be and evaluating where you are now. To do this, you can take self-assessment quizzes like the Liebowitz scale to measure how you score in terms of social anxiety.
4. Get healthier
Poor physical health may make symptoms of social anxiety disorder worse. Make sure you get to exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet. Steer clear from alcohol and caffeine, and sip chamomile tea instead to calm and soothe your nerves.
5. Give yourself a pat on the back
Perhaps you won’t be a confident public speaker, but there are still a lot to celebrate. Recognize the small wins in life such as making it out of the house and initiating a nice conversation with an old friend. Make sure to congratulate yourself and always be your best cheerleader.
Read the full article by Very Well Mind here for more practical tips on overcoming social anxiety disorder.
Are you or anyone you know diagnosed with social anxiety disorder? How are you coping with it? Let us know in the comments below!
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