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Around 12% of the population suffers with social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, according to statistics. Many facets of a person’s life are affected by SAD, including their ability to make and keep friendships, locate romantic interests, locate employment, and deal with the day-to-day tasks of life.
The recommended treatment for social anxiety disorder is a combination of therapy and medications, such as an SSRI. However, there is a great deal of self-help that may be used to combat social anxiety.
Focus on Your Social Abilities
The ability to communicate effectively may not have come naturally to you, but there are ways to enhance the abilities you already possess. Practice introducing yourself, maintaining eye contact, recalling names, and offering compliments.
Get Involved in an Existing Support Group
No matter where you choose to go for support, you’ll find solace in being around those who have been where you are. Take use of the time you have with the group; encourage others and look for ways to serve others. You will reap the benefits of your good deeds.
You can also look into social anxiety therapy online and in-person conducted in group setting to get help specifically targeted at alleviating your anxiety.
Acknowledge That You’re Nervous
Everyone who talks in front of a large group of people becomes a little jittery. The simplest way to overcome fear of public speaking is to just acknowledge your feelings before you begin your presentation.
Even in the most formal of circumstances, it is perfectly fine to begin your speech by saying, “Forgive me, I’m just a bit apprehensive about speaking in front of people.” You are immediately rescuing yourself from a panic episode while speaking. You’ll find that other people are more forgiving than you’d expect.
To conquer social anxiety, you don’t have to suddenly turn into a social butterfly; instead, you just need to be at ease with who you are.
Hang Around Positive People
Is your weekly routine the same? Do you go to the same grocery shop, gas station, cafe, or walk the same street every time you go?
Go somewhere fresh to shake things up a bit. You may learn that you’ve been skipping out on a great part of your neighborhood while overcoming your social phobia in a new environment.
Consider becoming a member of Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International will help you overcome your fear of public speaking if you join! People from all around the world have benefited from the work of this organization by developing their public speaking abilities and overcoming their fear of public speaking. To top it all off, the group is a terrific place to meet new people and create new friends.
Make an effort to see yourself in a new light. You’re more than your social anxieties. It has no bearing on your identity.
Start Greeting a Neighbor on a Regular Basis
What are the first things you do when your neighbor walks by? Try to say hi, wave, and be courteous the next time you see someone. Over time, this new behavior will become second nature, even if it initially feels out of character or anxiety-provoking.
Consider the following experiment if you’re feeling very brave: Consider inviting your neighbor over for a cup of coffee when she’s clearly not in the mood for it. Discover that it isn’t so horrible to be rejected! Eventually, you may even discover that you have made a friend in a nearby neighbor.
Stay Away from the Typical Temptations
For those who spend too much time on the web or watching tv instead of socializing, start cutting down on time or making it instructional in regards to SAD and social skills. It will be interesting to find out how much more time you will have to work on conquering your shyness and improving your social abilities.
Don’t Wait for a Hero to Save You.
In order to fix an issue, you must first accept that it can’t be addressed until a magic bullet comes along. Implement the changes you ought to, and know that no one else will step up to the plate for you.
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