Hugh Robinson - Tackling and Overcoming Social Anxiety: Actionable Techniques For Overcoming Social Anxiety, Shyness and Stress

Tackling and Overcoming Social Anxiety

Hugh Robinson

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The world is full of different people with unique life stories. No two people are alike. No life is identical to another. There are several factors that unite us in a common bond. One of those factors, unfortunately, is the feeling of anxiety.

We all know the feeling. For some, it may be a presentation in front of a crowd. For others, it may be a dreaded conversation. Whatever the scenario, keep in mind that the feeling is natural. Nervousness and fear are as normal as joy and laughter. Everybody feels them at some point in their life, even though some feel it more than others. Some individuals are anxious on a regular basis.

Social anxiety is categorized as one of the most common mental disorders in the world. One diagnostic interview found that 12.1% of people in any country have social anxiety. If the entire world was interviewed, imagine how many people would report their own struggle. Its clear that this problem is more than a feeling of nervousness when facing a difficult situation.

If youre looking for methods to battle social anxiety, then kudos to you. Youve taken the first step toward a healthy treatment plan. It may seem intimidating to tackle this issue, but the relief that youll feel once you establish a routine of healthy habits and emotional control will outweigh the time and work that youve put in. To begin, keep in mind that you cannot build a house by starting with the roof. You must begin with the foundation. So, what is the foundation of your anxiety?

The foundation can be discovered with a brief look into anxiety itself, how it manifests, and the different ways in which it can affect an individuals life. Youre encouraged to always meditate on your own circumstances and take notes on what applies to you personally, so you can have a clear view of your own struggle. Doing so will help you to mold your treatment into something specifically made for your circumstances and needs.

With a consideration of the roots of anxiety, it would also be wise to consider the common misconceptions about anxiety. Learning what to avoid and what advice to ignore can help you build an even healthier treatment. This also includes a brief history of anxiety and the misunderstandings its sufferers have endured in the past. With this basic knowledge on hand, youll be ready to take practical steps toward a routine of healthy, balanced living.

Its also wise to consider the general causes of anxiety, though they vary from individual to individual. Despite the differences in mind and symptoms, the insides of our bodies often act similarly. A discussion of the fight or flight routine is considered due to its large impact on how we react to threatening situations. If youve ever wondered why you feel nervous for no reason, or why you become triggered and physically anxious when responding to something specific, the fight or flight reaction and its connection to the nervous system has a truly comforting explanation. So much is explained when you take into consideration whats happening inside of your body. You cannot see it happening, but you can often feel it.

There are so many different facets to social anxiety, too. Once you lay that foundation, you can begin to work on the walls. The walls, in this case, are the challenges of low self esteem and negativity. These two traits, while so prevalent, are very difficult to escape. Yet there will always be hope! You can take practical steps in your life to redirect your mind toward a brighter, more positive path, and you can do this in a healthy and realistic way. This doesnt mean that you must force yourself to be positive all the time. It means that you challenge your inner critic, that you face the facts, and that you take small steps to think in a deliberate and positive manner. This is only the first step toward a healthy treatment.

However, a house isnt just one wall. There are several more walls. You can put up the wall of journaling, the wall of lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and a sleeping routine. These small lifestyle changes are all molded to fit your routine and personality so your treatment is accessible for your circumstances, because this is your house that were building. You can embellish it with breathing exercises meant to calm you internally, reacting to your nervous system and sending signals inside of your body that subsequently decrease your heart rate. You can integrate meditation as a support to your treatment, as well as mindfulness and mental exercises. This guidance may seem small on page, but when applied they can all make a large impact. You will feel the results.

With the walls up, your house is ready for its roof. This comes in the form of third party help; group therapy and individual therapy. When seeking group therapy you find a community of others who struggle with issues and stressors similar to your own, helping you to understand that youre not alone. You can relate to people, learn from them and hear other perspectives. Most importantly, you can help others with your own experiences. You could make a change in someones life through group therapy. Should you choose to do this, it will be a large step in your treatment plan, as will individual therapy.

The ins and outs of both types of therapies are laid out for your consideration as you meditate on whats best for you. With the practical guidance of journaling and a healthy lifestyle in the mix, speaking to a licensed therapist will bring you even closer to a life without anxiety. Your treatment will evolve over time into something made specifically for you. Remember, you wont have to struggle with anxiety for your entire life; youre strong enough to fight this battle.

Even the most well-made houses face difficulties. Harsh weather may damage the roof or a wall may get dented. Whatever happens, though, its fixable. Youll survive any relapses and stressors that you encounter in the future. This is because youre learning healthy coping mechanisms that will follow you for the rest of your life, both in therapy and with small lifestyle changes.