Why let social anxiety ruin your life?

Social anxiety is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by a persistent fear of social situations such as meeting new people, speaking in public or attending social gatherings.

This fear can be so intense that it can interfere with a person's ability to lead a normal life. But what exactly is social anxiety you ask?

Also known as social phobia, it is a mental health condition that causes people to experience excessive fear and anxiety in social situations.

These fears may include feeling like you're being judged, scrutinised or embarrassed in front of others. It can weigh so heavily on you that it can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling and blushing.

Although we react differently, there are common flight modes many of us run to. For instance, you may choose to avoid social situations altogether leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Others may force themselves to attend social events but experience intense anxiety and discomfort throughout the occasion. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness, which can further increase anxiety.

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Social anxiety can also have a negative impact on a person's work or school life. It can make it difficult to perform well in interviews, give presentations or work effectively in a team.

This in many cases can lead to missed opportunities and decreased job satisfaction because you are not able to fully apply yourself in any situation where people are involved.

The good news, however, is social anxiety is a treatable condition. It is important to seek help from a mental health professional. A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and help you understand and manage your anxiety.

When you find yourself in those awkward situations do not fold but practice mindfulness. This is a technique that involves being present at the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you to become more aware of your anxiety triggers and how to tackle them.

You should consider joining a support group if you don't want to go through that journey alone. This will allow you to connect with others experiencing similar challenges and provide you with a sense of community.