Social Anxiety at Small Party

@Gymqueen09 I used to have anxiety attacks all the time, I am better at handling it. One thing I have learnt is, I never try to fit in. I will be my weird and awkward self, if someone likes me for who I am,we might be friends. If someone doesn't like me, that's none of my business.

It's really difficult for people with social anxiety to go out and socialize. Appreciate yourself that despite having anxiety, you are trying your best. That embarrassing moment at the party is going to help you in the future, to how to handle a social gathering in a better way. Don't be too hard on yourself and practice self compassion in your mind.

@Gymqueen09 I have this general principle that if you understand the facts in front of you, the picture becomes much clearer. With a clear picture, your mind is less afraid or anxious. But the less clear, the more likely you are to experience those anxious feelings.

In this situation, you went to a small party. First ignoring the beginning of your night, where you said everything was okay, it's obvious you were entering into a situation that was new to you. The situation, as a result, was less clear to you. Perhaps there are reasons that made it that way, including a new place, new dynamic, drinking, etc.. That is unclear from your initial post. However, assuming there were things going down at this new place that you were unfamiliar with, there was disclarity. And with that disclarity, it was likely that your mind start running off in all different directions, creating anxiety.

Next time, when you feel that coming on again, applying remedies to make the picture clearer in your head is great. For example, to name things in the room in front of you as you see them, (drink, wall, tv, etc.) can help paint a clear picture of the room in your head. This helps relieve anxiety for me sometimes. Also, there's the idea of keeping a familiar object with you, like a rock, in a pocket. grasping it when you feel anxious can help remind you of the situation in reality, once again painting a clearer picture in front of you.

Hope this helps!

BZ

Hey @Zegiel2323, thanks for your reply. To clarify, yes it was a new place, with people, most of whom were drinking. I personally don't drink so I guess I was extra aware of my surroundings. I think your idea of making the situation more familiar in my mind could be very helpful for me, and I will definitely try it! I appreciate you reaching out and giving some suggestions that I can use going forward. Anything at this point helps.

Thanks again! <3