What steps do you take for social anxiety?
I have become SO antisocial that even the thought of social interaction at the moment causes anxiety. The only time I really socialise is at work. Dinners with my boyfriends family often cause an anxiety attack and i prefer not to go. I recently made a new friend, which was a very big deal. We met at the dog park and hit it off immediately. But now I've gotten cold feet and find myself getting really miserable. If my new friend doesn't reply, or misses a message, I start feeling like I'm disposable, that I'm needy and no one really cares about me. Having this reaction to someone i don't really know that well makes me feel even worse...I have a psychiatrist who has suggested I have issues with abandonment and self worth due to my father leaving and starting a new family. Regardless, I now find any social situation daunting and I just feel so alone when my boyfriend isn't around. What steps do you all take to help with social anxiety? I really want to make new friends and not rely on ky boyfriend so much for emotional support...but my anxiety gets so bad.
@impartialWatermelon5531
Looking after yourself is key, but that does include engaging in some social interactions which your body feels are low risk. And, let's face it, most ARE low risk.
Studying relaxation techniques, mindfulness-based-stress-reduction, walking in nature, exercise are all standard practices.
Don't allow yourself to become a recluse. Even sitting at a cafe or going shopping (don't buy everything) will make sure that your body remains used to company.
https://www.7cups.com/@davidess if you want to message me. I'm hamless most of the time
@impartialWatermelon5531 The most important thing we need is be to be compassionate towards ourselves, and accept ourselves exactly the way we are. After that it is easier to move forward. This could mean spending the day in pajamas without judgment from ourselves, or something else you might feel like you need but aren't truly getting. Your needs are important and they do deserve to be met.