2 Tips to Help You Overcome Social Anxiety

1. Understand that having social anxiety doesn’t mean you don’t need social interaction.

A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that the core need for human connection is present in people with social anxiety; they just struggle to meet it in certain circumstances and with certain people. Starting from that premise, we can eliminate harmful thought patterns regarding social anxiety.

Self-talk, or the inner dialogue we have with ourselves, can play a significant role in shaping our perceptions and actions. It is important for those struggling with social anxiety to be mindful of negative self-talk that can perpetuate feelings of anxiety and insecurity. For example, instead of telling yourself “I rarely have the courage to speak up in a group setting, so there’s no need to start now,” reframe your thought by saying “I have an idea that others may find interesting, so I deserve to be heard.” This shift in thinking can help reduce anxiety and, with time and practice, increase confidence, leading to more positive interactions and better social outcomes. Additionally, it is important to remind yourself that it is normal to feel anxious in certain situations and to practice self-compassion.

2. Use self-disclosure to dampen the effects of your social anxiety.

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that these negative first impressions can be improved through self-disclosure, which is when a person shares personal information or feelings with others.

The researchers found that although people with social anxiety disclose less about themselves during social interactions, when they did disclose, it was perceived positively by others. This suggests that people who are being held back by social anxiety may benefit from making a conscious effort to open up and share their feelings. Other research suggests that we tend to underestimate how much people value getting into long and deep conversations. So don't be afraid to talk to someone because you think you'll run out of things to say or the other person will get bored; that's almost never the case.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are your thoughts on these tips?

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