Overcoming Social Anxiety - A Journey Together!

Strategy #3 

Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself, especially in social situations. Notice if you are being overly critical or negative. 

When you catch yourself thinking negatively, question the accuracy of these thoughts. Ask yourself if they are based on facts or irrational fears.

Instance: Suppose you're at a study group and you feel anxious about sharing your ideas. After you speak, you might think, "I probably sounded dumb. They must think I don’t know what I'm talking about." Instead of letting this negative self-talk dominate, challenge it by asking yourself if this thought is based on actual feedback or just your own fear. Consider that your peers are likely focused on the discussion rather than judging you harshly. Replace the negative thought with something more constructive, like, 'Everyone has their own style of contributing, and it's okay to make mistakes. My ideas are valuable, and sharing them helps me and the group'. 

Strategy #4

If you feel too anxious about entering a room, class, or place full of people, try this technique: Dress up in your favorite outfit—something you love wearing and that you’ve received compliments on. Make a beautiful hairstyle that you feel confident about. And then, give yourself five genuine compliments. This practice can boost your self-esteem and reduce anxiety by reinforcing a positive self-image.

Instance: Imagine you’re about to attend a new class or a social event and start feeling overwhelmed. Before you leave, stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself five things you genuinely appreciate about yourself. For example, you might say, ‘I am a good listener,’ ‘I am prepared for today’s class,’ ‘I have a friendly & beautiful smile,’ ‘I’m capable of handling new situations,’ and ‘I am worthy of being in this space.’ By focusing on these positive aspects, you can build confidence and ease some of the anxiety about entering a crowded or unfamiliar environment. 

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.

 ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Take a small step every day. We all can & will overcome this.❤️ 

Whenever I had to go somewhere outside, like walking to my tuition (even though it’s just a 5-minute walk), my social anxiety made it incredibly hard. I was always worried about being watched and judged by others. In the beginning, I used to refuse to walk and would ask my father to drop me off instead. But since he didn’t always have the time, I eventually had to walk there alone.

@reliablebunny23

Thank you so much Bunny for sharing these wonderful strategies!!😊 It's great to hear that these methods have helped you. You are so brave and determined🌟. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve turned these moments of anxiety into opportunities for self-growth. Your approach of questioning those fears and focusing on what really matters is really practical and thoughtful. So so so happy to see you making progress and growing!!💗 YAYY!!!🎉 lots of love and hugs for you💕

@KindleMissie 

Thank you so muchh for being so kind & for such sweet words!! 💗💗

I just hope others can make progress & reduce their social anxiety with help of these coping strategies and ideas too!! 

Lots of love & hugs for you too. ʕ⁠っ⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠ʔ⁠っ 🖤✨

@reliablebunny23

Your Welcome!😊💕 And you are doing great!😃 These will be really helpful for people who are dealing with social anxiety. Thanks again for sharing!🌟

@KindleMissie ❤️❤️

Hey, thanks for thinking of including me, but I don't have any issues leaving the house. You can take me off that tag list, @reliablebunny23 .

@cloudySummer okay!💙

@reliablebunny23

Awesome post! thanks for tagging me 😊😍💚

@daydreammemories You're welcome.💗

@reliablebunny23

Thank you for the helpful suggestions. I am still struggling but I hope I will become better.

@notjustsomeone You will 💙, just believe in yourself, & you aren't alone we are here for you throughout your journey of overcoming social anxiety. <3

@bianca0504

Hii, I saw you asking for tips on reducing social anxiety in the support room, but by the time I came you had gone from there, so I thought to tag you on this post. I hope it helps you. 💗

Strategy #5

When it comes to managing social anxiety, it’s just fine to start with little changes. You don’t have to volunteer to lead a meeting or strike up a conversation with everyone you meet.

A few ideas to try:

• At the store, skip the self-checkout and challenge yourself to make small talk with the cashier instead.
• Raise your hand in class to ask a question.
• Compliment a classmate’s or co-worker’s outfit.
• Host a small gathering for close friends and loved ones — socializing in your own space can help you feel more comfortable. 

Tagging those who commented earlier on this post to ensure you're notified about this new comment: 

@Apeatrice @Arie3 @PastaIsVeryUnderrated @Gargi07 @notjustsomeone @daydreammemories @Rizuemu000 @GoldenRuleJG @TU100OT @KindleMissie @notjustsomeone

@reliablebunny23

These are such great tips!😊 I totally agree with you that starting with small, manageable steps can make a big difference. Once you get comfortable with things like making small talk with the cashier or raising your hand in class, hosting a small gathering for friends can become a lot easier✨. It’s amazing how those little victories can build up your confidence over time. Thanks for sharing these helpful strategies lovely Bunny!🌟

@KindleMissie Thank you so much 💗

This one tip is from google tho, but I have also followed this tip, and it worked a lot for me, now I can ask doubts in class, walk on a road alone, & can do a lot more things in public much more easily, because now I know I won't be judged for these things, and I realized and observed this after taking small steps. Fr, small steps really gives you confidence. 💗

@reliablebunny23

It’s so inspiring to see you embracing new challenges and achieving such great things!🌟🎉 *Celebrate your victories🎉🎉🎉* Congratulations, this is truly impressive!✨ Your journey highlights how powerful gradual progress can be, and it’s wonderful to see you being kind to yourself along the way. Way to go, Bunny girl!💖 So proud of you, keep up the amazing work!🌟😊

@KindleMissie 

Thank you so much!! ʕ⁠っ⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠ʔ⁠っ 💗✨ 

You're always so sweet.. ❣️

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all doing well.

I’m tagging you all on this post, because I saw your forum posts on social anxiety, and I wanted to share this post with you.

thank you for tagging and for the tips 💗

@sofiacarsonfan27

you're welcome, I hope it helps 💗

Tagging some more users :

@sympatheticIdea721 @bearbearr @s0cksz @NickyYayUwU @Lovinlivin8

@reliablebunny23
you are so sweet, appreciate you bunny <3 (:

@s0cksz 

Thank you socksss, I hope it helps you!💗

Tagging some more users : 

@anthystruly @helloKiwi9145 @Lenei

Tagging some more users from @s0cksz post.

Tagging some more users : 

@brightOak7358

@MaeMae99 

@littleNini16

Question #1

What social situation do you find the most difficult to handle, and what have you tried to manage it?

I'd be happy to share what has worked for me if it aligns with your struggles. Others are welcome to chime in with their thoughts, experiences and suggestions too. Let’s learn from each other & find what helps us all. 

Tagging some users:

@Apeatrice @Arie3 @PastaIsVeryUnderrated @Gargi07 @notjustsomeone @daydreammemories @Rizuemu000 @GoldenRuleJG @TU100OT @KindleMissie @bianca0504 @imaginativeAcres3354 @anonyHuman933 @tealPapaya5453 @Olivia99000 @amicableZebra1684 @bestLake7495 @Ali155117 @Maeli1012 @Pemm @sofiacarsonfan27 @creativeCoconut9561 @m00nch4ser @fearlessBlueberry6162 @bubblewumble @energeticStrings5999 @sympatheticIdea721 @bearbearr @s0cksz @NickyYayUwU @Lovinlivin8 @anthystruly @helloKiwi9145 @Lenei @Maeeeeebae999 @agreeableMoon262 @Tinywhisper11 @ZinYA0938 @Jewelmoon17 @PurpleHearts7 @Hiiamanonymous @ariseg @Sxm1ra @zac607 @m1CHE11e @royalPiano4520 @akunknown @Insomniacx @peaceseeker03 @wrenrainygardens @understandingChestnut3621 @OhHelloThereImHere @alixsyellows @greenSea1254 @Iamwhoiamwhoami @gbrenna @brightAcres4936 @Melflower @intellectualStrings6074 @brightOak7358 @MaeMae99 @littleNini16

If you prefer not be tagged in future updates or if someone else wants to be included in future tags, just let me know!

@reliablebunny23

Nice question, bunny. Thanks for your post.

Lol, I practically freaks out and starts screaming (maybe not in their presence but right after I run away from them)every single time any one besides my mom and my therapist talk to me. 

A lot of people (especially neighbors) has been asking me why I'm not in school and is that baby in my arm my sister and stuff. I keep my month shut and scream silently after they walk off, many people think I'm mentally ill and yk, they gossip 😭

Its a vicious cycle, began by past trauma.

@Apeatrice

Thank you for sharing your experience, Apea.

It sounds incredibly challenging to deal with these interactions, especially when they trigger such strong reactions. It’s tough when past trauma makes these situations feel overwhelming.

Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and take care of yourself in these moments. You might find grounding techniques helpful, such as focusing on your breath or using sensory exercises to stay present and calm when you start feeling overwhelmed.

Working with your therapist can be really beneficial as they can help you address past trauma and develop coping strategies tailored to your needs. If you can, gradually expose yourself to social situations in a controlled manner with their support.

Be kind to yourself and recognize the progress you’re making, no matter how small.

Small steps make a big difference (: 

You're not alone in this. ❤️

@reliablebunny23

Thanks for your warm words🫂

1 type of social situation that makes me freak out is when someone just breaks down and maybe even start crying in front and near me. I’ll be just standing there like an idiot and hopping around them like I’m doing a ritual or something since I don’t know what to do and what to say. It’s genuinely awkward for me and I don’t know if I should give them a hug since I’m not a person who does physical contact with people outside of family often :( it sucks even more if I know the person and/or is friends with that person.

I still don’t know what I should do so normally I just google it on the spot where they can’t see me before approaching them or if they could I just freeze and listen to them before trying my best to say something that could help them feel better. I normally just try to distract them though and I feel kind of guilty for that since I could not actually solve the problem. Somehow it kind of works most of the time? Idk how and why but I am not complaining about it. 😀

p.s. idk if this counts or not lol

@OhHelloThereImHere

Sending strength and hugs (if accepted)

Not physical hugs xD I’m scared of them but virtual hugs are nice 😄

@OhHelloThereImHere

Thank you for sharing your experience, Yt. 

It's completely normal to feel unsure in these situations. I feel the same sometimes. And I think most of the people do. 

Sometimes, just being present and showing you care can be really comforting. If physical contact isn't your thing, offering a listening ear or kind words is also valuable. 

Your effort to help, even if you feel uncertain, is valuable and appreciated.

And I think with time & experience, you might find that you become more comfortable and natural in providing support. 

Remember, you don't have to be perfect. 💙

@reliablebunny23

Thanks for making this post bubunn

Okie sooo,I wanted to share my story about struggling with social anxiety.,I've been working really hard to overcome it, and I've made some amazing progress,well not really ,I used to get super nervous just leaving my house or being in public,like I hated stepping out of my house because I knew I'd see people,and seeing people where not my things ..........but I realized that avoiding those situations only made it worse. So little by little I started facing my fears,every time I went out, I saw it as a chance to work on my anxiety.

I've learned some really helpful strategies along the way, and I want to share them with you guys if okie ......Firstly ,I pay attention to my thoughts, especially when I'm in social situations ,like If I start thinking negative stuff, I challenge those thoughts and try to be kinder to myself. I also remind myself of my accomplishments, which helps boost my confidence. Another thing that's helped is taking small steps out of my comfort zone, like chatting with a cashier or participating in class activities,And honestly, remembering that most people are too busy with their own lives to judge me has been an improvement cause I always had that nagging mind that everyone would judge me where ever I went and stuff like that,but I guess not everyone judges people.

I hope these tips even though not much can help some of you guys who might be going through the same thing. Let's support each other and share our own experiences and advice.We're not alone in this, and it's so much easier when we have each other. Can't wait to hear your stories and tips...