How can I get over social anxiety?

Answer 1

If that picture is really of you, you should definitely have a high confidence level!!! You are a very attractive man!! If you keep that in mind when you are in social situations, maybe it will help you have a better attitude about interacting with other people.

People make their first impression of you on the way you look and the way you greet them. Even if you have to pretend that you are friendly and relaxed, pretending will eventually turn into the real thing once you get used to it.

If you don't want to try to get over it yourself through practice in social situations, they do make prescription drugs that have been found to be very helpful with social anxiety. I've heard very good things about Wellbutrin, so you might mention that to your primary care physician if you think this is a problem that you can't overcome on your own.

Good luck. I deal with anxiety myself, although not social anxiety, and have found that the best way for me to deal with it, is to learn different habits that fight the anxiety. I've always preferred to go the non-medicinal route, but I know that doesn't work for everyone, so it might be the perfect thing for you!! :o)

Answer 2

A lot of people call this shyness.

I kinda have this and found that I need to force myself to be social in a number of ways.

- Go to parties when invited. Pick a time to attend, say 30 minutes and leave successfully at that time or stay if you want. Go with someone you know, mix with the crowd, but allow yourself to retreat to a more private area of the party periodically.
- If that doesn't work for you, try a public event. A parade or celebration.
- I took a class in public speaking, which is the last thing I wanted to do. But I am pretty good at it now.

If your anxiety is meeting people, let them meet you at first. Don't force yourself until you are comfortable.

Decide what you want to talk about when the opportunity arises. I do:
what do you think of the weather?, what do you do? travel much? and the rest comes naturally.
The nice thing about social anxiety is that you tend to be quiet and a good listener. Other people like that, but you need to listen and be really interested. Ask for opinion...do you think I would like to travel there? After awhile, people start to ask you.

Don;t worry about it much, I think everyone has social anxiety in some way. Even the most outgoing person is afraid of rejection...and the fear is usually unfounded.

If you have some really extreme case and my advice sounds absurd, then see a dooctor and discuss it. Maybe a treatment is necessary.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 3

The best results come from use of an antidepressant (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Celexa, or Wellbutrin are best -- your doctor can recommend the best choice for you) COMBINED with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you will be forced to interact with people more: you will get homework assignments like "talk to 2 strangers every day this week." This will help you get over the uncomfortableness. There are some good books about dealing with social anxiety if you search on Amazon.

Also, keep in mind that the United States is an absurdly hyper-sociable, extremely talkative society so it's harder for more naturally reticent types to adapt. Good luck!

Answer 4

I myself have this problem. I urge you not to go for the risky medicine. It sounds appealing because it works fast. Keep in mind that it also comes with a lot more health risks. And medication like this is just a way to escape. Do you want to escape? Or do you want to permanently fix the problem?
What I do is put myself in uncomfortable situations. I know it sounds weird, but its something my boyfriend taught me. Once you learn to be comfortable in normally uncomfortable situations, then getting over this anxiety problem will be easier.
Or go to social events with close friends. This will ease the pressure and once you notice how much fun you can have around other people, you'll want to do it more.
Keep in mind that this is NO WALK in the Park. This will take time and effort on your part. But at least you won't be using an escape. Let me know when you're having success. God Bless and I will pray to Him for you. You do the same.

Answer 5

There are several ways, and seeing a therapist can help greatly. There are meds that can help, but those are used only as a last resort.

My suggestions? take it slowly. Start with smaller situations with friends that you know well, and stick with those. Try positive self-talk when you are feeling down about yourself, and remind yourself that you DO have positive things to say. Remember to breathe (it helps to breathe in for seven counts and out for four) and if you need a break, use the restroom. Keep yourself hydrated to help prevent dizziness and nausea. If it gets too overwhelming, excuse yourself and go home. When you feel comfortable in smaller situations, move on to larger situations.

I do not know how bad your case is or where you are at, but if it is severe, I suggest seeing a therapist who can work more specifically with you on your triggers and assess your properly. I have a lot of social anxiety and sometimes I have to just stay at home when it is very bad. I have learned breathing exercises help and reminding myself that I *am* a worthful person and that people *do* want me to be there helps. It also helps to have a "buddy" that you kinda stick by.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

Thanks, anichek, for admitting that you suffer from this problem. I'm not a professional, but I would suggest you get over it by placing yourself in social situations, gradually, until you are comfortable around people. It would help to be up on current events so you have something to talk about. Why not join a church?

Answer 7

Focus less on yourself and more on the people around you. Ask them about their interests and try not to think about what you're doing right or wrong. Most likely, the people you are talking to are concerned about themselves anyway.

Answer 8

Paxil my friend, paxil is the answer to all

Answer 9

force yourself to go out more.

I know it sounds bad...but that's all you can do.

Answer 10

well-butrin.