If you’ve suffered from social anxiety in the past, how did you get over it?

[petitedollbabee]

Or if you currently suffer with it, what ways do you cope with it?

[Rania05]

I got right of a sizeable portion of it by now, I just did it naturally. Change of environment from private to public school was flustering but to protect myself from jokes, light bullying, I became more defensive after breaking down in tears as I cursed them for being barbarians. I got friends at highschool who are troublemakers but overall good kids that opened new doors when I was hesitating, they encouraged me. Being an introvert itself can lead to misunderstands and every time I figures out the reason behind false impression I left in some, I felt absurd and that pushed me into showing my talkative side when it seems right. Information absorption is good too, everyone like to share what they like, having so much to be passionate about can makes one cheerful.

Just two years ago, my mom took me to therapist because she felt I was too indifferent while waiting for my test results (I just didn't bother to care since I already did the exam so whatever is the result, life will go on) and my social anxiety was revealed in report as expected, but the therapist also mentioned I was dealing with my problem the right way and that it's good I'm not rejection social interaction much but the sensitivity I built from childhood is something I'm gradually overcoming on my own.

If one wants to heal from something they would always grasp each chance to get over it as a life-saving charm.

P. S: I'm actually 17, not 37

[stellamint]

I tackled the real reason why I have social anxiety. It usually stems from a lack of self-esteem, self-worth or/and self-love. Most people experience social anxiety because we consciously or unconsciously place others on a pedestal and feel inferior to them. We're afraid of being judged, embarrassed, or being imperfect. When I worked on these things, I became way more comfortable around people. I stopped caring what others think of me, and it removed a lot of the anxiety. And I started knowing my worth, and what I brought to the table.

[Xylem1992]

I did. I still do but I has become much easier.

Growing up, I was the shiest kid ever. I used to dread public speaking. I remember once in high school we had to deliver an oral presentation for the English class. The teacher was calling our names by random. I remember each time he went over his list, I felt like I was going to die. Luckily, I was one of the last to be called. I got to see many of my classmates go up there. I learned from the ones that were good and realized there are also people who get nervous and shaky way worse than I do.

So I would say:

A-you're not alone in feeling anxious, A LOT of other people experience it too.

B-Take a deep breath. Pause for a second. Anxiety is just rooted in anticipation. let your mind go blank for second, or distracted at least.

C-Break each situation, into small steps. For example I just thought "All I need to do is to get up and walk there, that's it", "All I have to do now, is to get my papers ready" etc. It worked for me. I got perfect score in English that year and every year after until I graduated.

D-Nobody is perfect.

[SamIam96]

I have good insurance and I've been seeing a psychiatrist for mine for years. Talking with her helps me find ways to behave in stressful situations that aren't obvious to me.

When I know I'm going to be in an anxious situation, I can cope for a while, but it's mentally exhausting. I plan for ahead for a way to remove myself. One thing that works for me is to plan a conflicting event so that I can leave before I get stressed. I tactfully tell people at the beginning so we can make the most of our time together. Then, I apologize and leave when I start getting stressed.

Unfortunately, sometimes people with social anxiety drink more alcohol than is healthy. It lowers inhibitions. That can be a good thing, but other side effects are problematic.

You're welcome to DM me if you'd like to talk more.

[SamIam96]

@petitedollbabee, This question just resurfaced... Have you found something that works?

[petitedollbabee]

I’ve found noise cancelling headphones extremely helpful. Usually it’s noise from people that makes me anxious and overstimulated. I no longer get much social anxiety since wearing headphones in public spaces 🙂

[SamIam96]

great discovery!

[Topaz1979]

One thing I did was to start looking at people's faces when I'm in public, don't look at the floor, when you look at the floor you'll create anxiety in your mind but when you look at people you'll see that they are like you, they are just people living their lives and trying their best to survive 😊.

[D_Bone_Steak]

You just got to learn to deal with it. I hate giving this answer because I know it's hard to "just do" anything someone is experiencing anxiety about already. It's more about just getting comfortable with the worst cases. Like for a dude afraid to talk to chicks, has has to get over it and not feel bad about something as dumb as outright rejection.

[IveGotNoName]

I'm really bad at handling it lately. I go all blank and isolate myself and I can't talk to anyone, I can't even answer them when they ask what's wrong. The only way I can really deal with it, is to not go to social events when I feel "on edge", or to at least leave the event as I feel it coming on.

[Anonymous]

I still have some social anxiety left, but It's much lesser than before.

What helped me was when I went to college last year and started speaking up more, asking questions, answering questions, practicing peer support, trying to talk more with my classmates, etc... Overall, engaging more in class and putting myself out of my comfort zone.

Just so you have some grasp of my social anxiety extent, there were always these parents reviews at college.

And my teacher would always say that everything was fine, only thing is that I didn't communicate with anyone and would always be isolated. She'd say that I needed to speak up more XD.

So, with this in mind my teachers actually helped me. As they knew I needed to build my confidence, they'd put me in 'out of my comfort zone' situations, let's say...

That was mentally exhausting, but I'm glad I did all of those things. Had I not gone through it, I wouldn't even be able to ask a question in class.

[NottaNatty]

I still do but not as bad anymore. I just hit such a low in my life that I completely stopped caring what others thought of me, so I think it kinda blocked my anxiety form recalculating all my responses, which kind of build up my confidence enough to see that socializing was easier when you don't think as much and can shut off the internal dialogue.

[slatyb]

I did, and I don't so much anymore. I stopped worrying about whether people liked me and just started asking people's names when I met them.

[petitedollbabee]

Is that something that happens with age or did something mentally change for you?

[slatyb]

Something mentally changed. I think a lot of shyness comes from childhood neglect -- a disapproving or unaffectionate parent can lead children to believe they are not likable.

[Jay3344]

Immersion and repetition of good practice. Little by little get immersed in good social interactions and slowly build up confidence and reduce anxiety. It works really well. Also whatever activities cause you anxiety when not in social interactions, try and reduce those.

[art84]

I took speech in college and it helped to get in front of people and giving speech's. I still get nervous but it's not as bad as in my 20s. I actually started going out to the movies with my nephews when they were little years ago. I never been to the movies alone and it wasn't bad. I think there is some people who can't handle crowds and I understand that. I think you just have to stop worrying if possible and not over think things. I know I would worry a lot but there's things that you can't control in life. Hope things get better for you.

[ChillaxingLove]

It helps to have a close friend you’re comfortable around to always be with you in social settings

[petitedollbabee]

Sometimes that doesn’t help, as I just end up sitting there awkwardly and clinging to that one friend the whole time.

[Daniela1982]

You don't get over it. I've had it for years and there seems to be no cures.

[Onlyonceatime]

I got over it. I used to be terrified of talking to girls. I was scared of public speaking. One day I decided I wanted to challenge myself and get over it. I went to college and took communications and public speaking classes. I got tired of how shitty my life was because I was too scared. When I got into class, I just started being the first to answer a question, even if I got it wrong. I was always the first to speak in class, and I even did my speeches before everyone.

You just have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations repeatedly until your brain becomes desensitized. You have to keep doing it even if you feel embarrassed. I told myself I did not want to waste my time attending college and being the same person when I came out. You can get over it too. You just need to believe in yourself. You got this.

[joeldalton]

You can get over it if you make the decision to change.

[art84]

My nephew used to be shy but now as a teenager he has made friends and opened up more. He's not afraid to speak his mind. He can make friends easily which is something I couldn't do it at his age.

[petitedollbabee]

I’m not sure why people are commenting their opinions as a response to Daniela? If you want to share your opinion on the question, please just make your own comment rather than replying to someone’s comment.

[TwinFace]

It gets better with time. U will get to the point in life where u will say to urself "u can't be this way forever or u will get nowhere in life". Life isn't meant to be easy. Gotta try and get outta ur comfortzone once, thats the only way u will get through life.

[Sandeeppingping]

By doing what you fear doing, so basically you have social anxiety, then put yourself un social situations and talk regardless of how scared or how your heart feels like it's building a wall in your chest, do it regardless that's the only way to face whatever you fear, by doing it

[petitedollbabee]

That makes it worse for me.

[Still-alive]

Yes. I went on a 2 year midlife crisis with suicidal attempts to get over mine. Sorry but i do NOT under any circumstances recommend the way i did it.

[petitedollbabee]

I’m glad you’re still here ❤️

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Pills and change in diet is what helped some

[petitedollbabee]

Like anti-anxiety pills you mean?

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

@petitedollbabee Yeah anti-anxiety pills

[Shayyyy1]

Went out and socailized more i'd volunteer mpre for stuff. Whenbi got overwhelmedni'd take a break, the just do it mentality kinda helped a lot.

[melaniee789456123]

To be really honest, I never fully got over it. However, some things that I have found to be helpful is to try and be more confident or speak more while you're in front of a smaller audience and slowly increase the amount of people in your audience.

[Anonymous]

I decided I had enough and forced myself to greet and/or strike up a conversation with any person I was in the immediate vicinity. Being in college kinda helped too because asking people about their major and why they picked it is an easy ice-breaker

[AsaKyo]

I still suffer from it, have been since I was a teenager.

My only solution is to just try and not think about things too much in a public setting. Easier said than done, I know, but you just have to try.

[Jeansnowstarkbastard]

I suffered it for years and still do. But it has gotten better.
I can still go op to people and ask their names and talk with them for a while.
I prefer to not to that but i force myself to speak to at least 1 new person everyday.
It helps te keep trying no matter how much you have improved.

[Blackcupcake]

uhmmm kind of, but not really…
that’s a confusing answer, I know but it’s true! and the only way to deal with it for me was to expose myself to what was creating that anxiety…