Social Anxiety

[jenijenjen]

My Social Anxiety has become worse since Covid hit. Going into lockdown suited me fine but I lost the momentum I had in forcing myself to leave my house and visit people. 

Now if an opportunity comes up to be social, I start feeling physically sick and usually find an excuse to avoid being there.

Does anyone have any coping strategies for these situations? 

[Mark Z.]

Hi Jenijenjen,

I'm sorry for your challenge but I think you're not the only one.

There're a lot of people struggling with coming out from lockdown. Social anxiety is one of the challenges.

I suggest you don't hurry, don't put pressure on yourself, take it step by step, which means, start with close friends, start with very small group that you may feel easier to cope with. For example, coming out to have a coffee or a walk with one or two good friends. Do you think it will be easier?

Mark

[jenijenjen]

Thank you Mark, I will try that

[Petal22]

Hi jenijenjen,

Sorry you have been feeling this way.

Anxiety has a way of trying to make us stop doings things that we want to do.

I liked to think of it as a mirage……….. mirages can be pushed through.

One thing I learned with anxiety was not to do what it is telling us to do because this will only reinforce the anxiety.

You are so much stronger than your anxiety please don’t allow your anxiety to control you …… You really can be in control of it.

You could have a chat to your gp and let your gp know how anxiety is affecting your life.

One coping strategy is to follow your breath learn to follow it……. When the anxious thoughts come in put your attention back on your breath…. Use it as your anchor.

[Bob_22]

Hi jenijenjen,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your experience here! Sorry to hear that your social anxiety has been worse as of late.

As Mark and petal suggested, gradually exposing yourself to larger groups alongside breathing and other mindfulness techniques is a great idea. I know if I'm at a party or large gather e.g. a wedding, I will generally just stick and speak to those closest to me which seems easier for anxiety. Also, in those situations, just remind yourself you are free to leave whenever you feel uncomfortable and that helps ease some anxiety as well.

There is some information on this website regarding social anxiety disorder which has some useful tips. You can find this here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/social-phobia 

There is also a fact sheet if you'd like a print as well. 🙂 The link to that is here.

Hope that helps 💙

Bob

[jenijenjen]

Thanks everyone, you've all been very helpful🙂

[orchid_5]

Hi Jenijenjen,

I'm sorry to hear that covid has made you feel anxious about going out and catching up with people. I felt exactly the same when things were starting to go back to normal, so just know that you're not alone. 

I was close to turning down opportunities, but I found that talking positively to myself and listening to a meditation/sleep talk down the night before an event helped to an extent. Another thing you could try is to suggest a venue or idea for an outing that you would feel more comfortable with. 

Let us know how it goes! 

[Mark Z.]

No worries at all, come back to let us know how you cope and how you feel. Hope everything will be better.