What Social Anxiety Feels like
Can you picture yourself walking into a room full of people, it could be anything from a party to a meeting. For most this is the norm and wont feel any different to any other day however for someone that experiences Social Anxiety it becomes one of the biggest drags. They begin seeking for the most effecient way out “How do i Get out of here?“
The Weight of Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is much more than feeling shy or nervous. It’s an overwhelming fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. For someone experiencing this, even simple things like making eye contact or speaking up can feel like climbing a mountain. Social anxiety can turn everyday activities into nerve-wracking events.
One of the most common social anxiety symptoms is avoiding situations where you might have to interact with others. This avoidance can feel safer, but it often leads to isolation. Even though deep down, you want to connect with people, the fear of saying the wrong thing or being awkward keeps you silent. In saying this Humans are naturally meant to be social creatures which is why we have the feeling of isolation in general we are meant to hunt in a pack similar to wolves.
How Social Anxiety Feels in Different Situations
Public Speaking: Public speaking is a nightmare for many with social anxiety. The mere thought of standing in front of people to talk can cause a full-blown anxiety attack. Your heart races, your voice trembles, and your mind goes blank. It’s as if everyone is waiting for you to mess up. This is however not the case almost everyone is there to listen to what you have to say even if you mess up no one will remember it after 15 seconds
Relationships: In relationships, social anxiety in relationships can make it difficult to express your feelings, which can create misunderstandings. You constantly wonder if you’ve said or done something wrong, replaying every interaction in your mind. This second-guessing can create tension and make forming close connections difficult.
Workplace Interactions: At work, social anxiety in the workplace can show up during team meetings, networking events, or even just casual conversations with coworkers. The pressure to appear confident can make every small interaction feel exhausting.
Coping with Social Anxiety
Dealing with social anxiety is tough, the way I was able to cope with my social anxiety was to put my self out there and make sure I was always uncomfortable. Being in situations like this is where you grow the most as a person, putting down your phone for the train ride and talk to the person next to you just because you can. Being a Social person is a skill you have to develop, check out how we can help.
Mindfulness practices, like deep breathing and meditation, can also be effective in reducing anxiety. Social anxiety meditation techniques help you stay present and calm during stressful situations. It can help you focus on the moment rather than worrying about what others think.
Some people also find that natural remedies for social anxiety, like herbal supplements, can be a helpful addition to therapy. While they aren’t a cure, they can offer relief for mild symptoms.
