Social anxiety has become much more prevalent; it can affect everyone yet starts most commonly in the early teenage years, see social anxiety is a big hurdle stopping them from achieving their best and showing their true potential.
When I was in my lower teenage years I suffered from this drastically; to others, I became some cold faced moody teenager when in reality I just didn't know how to deal with these situations and ended up either ignoring the help I was getting or not speaking up. This resulted in me losing good opportunities and chances to learn important life lessons.
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations.
(Via NHS website)
Picture from @additudemag
Some symptoms of social anxiety:
worry about everyday activities, such as meeting strangers, starting conversations, speaking on the phone, working or shopping
avoid or worry a lot about social activities, such as group conversations, eating with company and parties
always worry about doing something you think is embarrassing, such as blushing, sweating or appearing incompetent
find it difficult to do things when others are watching – you may feel like you're being watched and judged all the time
fear being criticised, avoid eye contact or have low self-esteem
(NHS website)
Here are a few ways we can help calm our social anxiety and work towards a clearer state of mind:
- Understand your anxiety and write down when it occurs, in what situations etc.
- Break down your work into smaller sections; don't overload and carry out work with ease.
- If need be visit your doctor/see a therapist so they can help you if further medication etc is needed.
- Join support groups/forums to discuss your anxiety with others if you need reassurance etc.
Remember those around you are trying to help! They care about you.
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