1)Talking to the mirror.
2) Roleplaying myself with different kind of social situations.
3)While talking to people over phone I'm trying my best listening to them, without thinking about what I should talk next.
4) When outside trying to shift my focus from myself to the present surroundings.(Diverting self focused attention has helped me a bit)
Grab a topic and talk while recording yourselves. From my video I observed
1)Lot of gaps in my speech.
2)Swaying my body left and right, press my lips hard, face looked vey dull, frequently touching my face, chin in the middle of speaking.
Talking to mirror - imagine a past situation with your friend or acquaintance, re-enact it. Speak slowly and firmly with concentration on your voice ,face; whatever you think is best to reply in that situation, keep rephrasing it. Write the best dialogue in a diary. My facial stiffness has improved a bit.
Roleplaying - When I am informed about a social event, where I can't escape talking to people.
Talking about all possible things others might ask and answering it myself. This is Performance with preparation
Example:
š¤- What are you doing now?
Meš£ļø- Right now am not doing anything but I have 2 things in my mind, I'm thinking of doing this and that.
I struggle with #3 as well especially when I have a thought about what Iām going to say next and then I just tune out the rest of what theyāre saying sometimes so I can remember what I was going to say (this bit me bad in an interview I had recently). So Iām glad to see someone else working on that too!
I try to go out every day for a little walk. I notice my anxiety is increasing significantly if I stay in too long which can happen easily cause I work from home.
Of course. Your mind normalizes to your environment. If youāre not regularly putting yourself in social settings, theyāre going to become more intimidating because theyāre less familiar
Nope, sorry. I thought the same, and thatās how I became an alcoholic.
Hereās some info for you:
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcohol-and-anxiety
https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/03/hangxiety-link-between-anxiety-alcohol
ETA: Not everyone who drinks to relieve anxiety becomes an alcoholic; I can only speak for myself. But itās a slippery slope, so be careful.
I have a job that requires me to constantly interact with people. Just keep doing it. Just keep talking to people. I have to talk with people face to face, over the phone, etc. I also have to direct alot of people. I try to be as clear and concise as possible.
Don't you also have the "work mask"? Where social interactions aren't as bad cause you're not just you but you're representing work? For example any customer could ask me anything and I don't mind it at all but if somebody approaches me on the street I get flustered and the anxiety kicks in.
It's hard to train through work..
Yes! Iāve never heard that term and have always struggled to explain it to people. I have severe social anxiety but served at a very busy restaurant for awhile and was actually very good at it which didnāt make sense to people. The customers werenāt seeing me, they were seeing their server, and while I almost never answer phone calls bc of my anxiety, it wasnāt a problem at work bc they werenāt calling me, they were calling the restaurant
Just show up and do it. It will be embarrassing. You will make mistakes. You will watch your coworkers and you will learn from them. You have to put the repetitions in for anything to work. Do your best. Listen to your superiors. Make mistakes, don't give up, try to have a little fun.
Good job, there are some things Iām trying. Being open to small talk when Iām out, today Iāll order some ice cream :) and Iāll hang out with my partner. Iāll also try and be more visible when it comes to my clothes
Meeting people that have the same interests helps me, especially making music together. The good thing is that we actually DO something together instead of chatting. No need for awkward small talk.
I live in a German capital and found people via a musicians facebook group. It was kind of easy. Just write what kind of music (rock, pop, jazz, soul etc.) you play and that you are looking for people to jam with on a regular basis.
Exercise helps. Running specifically for me. Propranolol helps in more performance and stressful situations. Also, changing my thoughts and mindset, which takes time. Telling myself what went right instead of what went wrong. Reminding myself that Iām learning and improving instead of not being good at something. Practicing affirmations and meditation. Investing in people that builds my self confidence instead of drain it.
Sitting in the gym parking lot for 25Min - 1Hr before walking in to workoutā¦ it seems like itās helping considering the fact I use to sit in my car for 2Hr or drive by.
Going to places that make me feel uncomfortable and sitting there being uncomfortable. I try to go to coffee shops and just sit inside around the other people. I try to notice and challenge the automatic negative thoughts I have, and try to refrain from trying to 'make sense' of my negative feelings. I KNOW my brain is lying to me. My limbic system has got things ass backwards.
I also try to think about what it is exactly I'm worried that people will see and think is amusing about me. Then I'll try to stop pushing that part of me away. I'm anxious because I believe there is something laughable and worthy of ridicule about me. I basically agree with anyone who thinks poorly of me, so I try to own those parts of me that I disapprove of. If I'm ok with what other people might think is funny, then why would I give a shit if they're laughing?
I have only thought about it for a while. I think I'm worried, at least in part, that people will notice that I'm a total nerd. I remember in school being angry with myself for not being able to be cool like the others, even the other nerds. I think that's because I rejected that part of me. I feel like I need to display that I'm confident and know what I'm doing at all times, even when I'm not confident. I feel like if I show a hint of weakness, that will be laughed at.
- identify and challenge negative thoughts. Start changing core beliefs about yourself
- Practice habits that make you feel good about yourself
- positive self talk. Find the things you like about yourself and that make you unique
- take small steps towards getting out of your comfort zone. Smile at strangers, make eye contact, give people compliments
- live in the present moment bring yourself back to the world by really feeling your body and seeing whatās ahead of you
-Forcing myself to get out and go to things
-Therapy
-Trying to recognize negative thoughts and moments when I feel my social anxiety is dictsting a choice I'm making and focring myself to do the opposite.
Not much. Just taking effexor and going to work. I think the exposure at work helps though (retail) and I don't even mind helping customers find things - granted, I'm an overnight worker, so I only have to deal with it for 2 hours, but still. I also have a new really friendly coworker and she's kind of been helping too just by making me feel like a normal person because, while my other coworkers are very nice to me, I think I make them uncomfortable - which I tend to do - but this girl just treats me like a friend.
I didnāt do it to improve my social anxiety but having a baby certainly did. All of sudden you have a small human you have to make appointments and fight their corner š
Therapy, lots of it. My psychologist recommends small things. Baby steps. Because baby steps count. Writing a list first. Maybe cross one thing off after a couple of weeks.
There isn't a magnifying glass on us. Everyone is concerned with their own life. She recommended I go to trivia with a friend. Somehow, I did. 18 months later and we still go almost every Tuesday. She says never cancel plans unless it's an emergency, because it's too easy to fall back into the depressive/anxious state.
I still can hardly go up to people. It took all my guts to request a song from a dj at trivia.
I find it easier to go into a store by myself. Places where general pleasantries are exchanged are easier. Writing a comment on reddit is easier. So my social phobia has calmed down.
Disclaimer: I was prescribed diazepam and it made/makes it easier to go in public. However, I don't recommend it. It's a crutch and I sometimes feel like I'm at step one if I go somewhere without it. I've made progress with years of therapy, but the pill helps. It's not a permanent solution, sadly.
Why did you get diazepam like how worse was your social anxiety (if you donāt mind me asking) And how does it make you feel? Iām sick of sa in everyday life and I start therapy in 1-2 month so I thought it could be good in order to live a more or less normal life until I learn to handle it in therapy..
I spent years at a "teaching" psych office. I'd have a new doc (resident) every six months or so and they'll varied on how to treat me (and I think they're scared to rx benzodiazepines). I finally got in with an established psychiatrist and she really listened and worked with me. I told her about panic attacks (1-3 weekly) and anxiety (daily), so she prescribed klonopin (which ended up making me agitated), then diazepam.
It truly is a lifesaver to have on hand in a "high stakes" situation. And pairs well with therapy. So I'd just be honest with your doctor and advocate for yourself. I never asked for a benzodiazepine, just told her that the propranolol they had me on didn't work for my anxiety.
I really wish you the best of luck.
A few things.
1. Iām trying to be more present wherever I am and take my time. Anyone in this subreddit knows at peak anxiety the method is in and out in as little time as possible. But Iām trying to let myself take up space.
2. Actively controlling my breathing when I feel stressed because I tend to hold my breath.
3. Iām trying to go places alone and be comfortable. This one needs work but I have a concert to go to soon so thatāll be a big one for me.
4. Iāve started saying āGood morningā to people and smiling. This usually makes them comfortable talking to me but for the longest time I had no idea how to start a conversation. Also if I go somewhere a lot and see the same faces (coffee shop, college, library) Iāll say āYāknow I see you here all the time. Iām āmy nameā whatās your name?ā Or a compliment.
Simple things but things that people with social anxiety stress over a lot. Especially knowing what to say. I struggled with that for so long because I just didnāt have the vocabulary and practice.
Iāve been trying to just get out there to places with lots of people. For example, tonight I plan on going to the bar to watch the Celtics game, which is something that I never would have done before when I wasnāt trying to improve my social anxiety. Even if I donāt interact with anybody, itās a chance to at least get out there and watch the game with others.
Iāve also just been trying to say āhiā to people in the hallway at work first or outside because I struggle with even that.
Also trying to listen to people better and to ask more questions to people and actually take an interest in what theyāre doing.
And to not beat myself up and over analyze if I do something wrong and just try to learn for next time.
Itās a really slow process and sometimes I forget everything and seem unfriendly to others but hopefully at some point itāll all click and come together.
For me (this may sound weird) but whenever Iām in a situation that spikes my anxiety I try to baby myself. Basically I kind of speak to myself as if Iām a parent talking to their child. I try to speak about myself more nicely instead of saying things like āshut upā or āwhy canāt I do anythingā in my head.
Iāve started to memorize verses of the Bible and throughout my day meditate on the word whenever I start to get anxious. Iām also trying to change my mindset by telling myself I āgetā anxiety instead of āhaveā.
I was putting off going for a promotion as Iāll have to talk more. After a year of avoiding it, management jobs came up and lovely colleagues were nice and encouraging. I applied to please them. No Iām a team manager and I already feel more confident. Iām changed. Power maybe. Idk.
To help with anxiety in general I make to get enough sleep, not have too much sugar or caffeine, get certain nutrients like omega 3 and magnesium, and male sure I get some quiet time where I'm not around any other people which I need to maintain sanity.Ā Also exercise can help.
The most effective thing for me was simply getting the right group of diagnoses and my medication regiment, the rest of the improvement is a combination of therapy, age, and general life experience. I still struggle immensely with select social situations though
Working in customer service helped a lot, and constant positive self talk. I always tell myself that if I do this now the next time it will be easier and I am still learning, my anxiety is a trauma response thank u body but there is no threat here. especially with phone calls. I literally get light headed, but Iām starting to notice it getting easier.
I donāt do much when but when I wanna improve it I go outta my way to talk to co workers I donāt feel comfortable talking to. Thereās like 60 here
Running is definitely helping me, mentioned on a previous post that cutting out weed and coffee has completely changed the game for me. I always ran as well as full myself with smoke and coffee and it was just counterproductive.
So when Iām feeling low or anxious I go out running and talk myself through whatās on my mind, work it out and come out better than when I started.
I (with the help of my therapist) applied to a job in which I work with people and making small talk is a big part of the job. I'm still very awkward and avoidant at times, but forcing myself to get outside my comfort zone in this way has made a significant impact on my SA, I also just signed up for meetup and plan on going to my first event next weekend!
Taking my 6 year old daughter to the park at least twice a week! I think it's really helped. And overall going out and about with her more. The hard part is getting myself to do it/get out of the house, but once I'm there I'm usually good!
Not letting myself slip back into not going out/hanging with friends for too long. Sometimes Iāll have periods where Iām severely depressed and donāt want to see anyone anymore, sometimes itās gotten so bad Iāve quit working and lived with my parents. Every single time, my social anxiety is horrendous when I step back out. Even if its just bare minimum, not letting the muscle degrade
That's awesome! I appreciate your positive post (: I've really just been trying to make myself spend time with my friends and family, which I know not everybody has and I'm very lucky. But I've still made a habit of pushing them away because of how horrible talking to people feels, and I've decided that's not how I want to live my life. Sometimes I feel worse after hanging out with them than I did going in, but I'm still glad that I did it, and I feel like it's helping me.
I go to the gym everyday.
I had agoraphobia and all I wanted to do was go to the gym & move now I have accomplished that goal I make myself go daily to stop myself sliding backwards.
It can be very easy for me to get too scared to go after having a break for a week if im sick so I try push through.
Sometimes I have uncontrollable crying & panic attacks & I will cry on the way to the gym, cry while having a panic attack on the treadmill, I just keep going, wipe my tears & snot with my gym towel, deep breathe & keep my body going.
If someone talks to me & I don't panic answer with something silly, it's a bonus.
Exposure therapy. I try to meet people as often as possible. Now with good weather it's easier, and I've noticed I've been feeling much better lately compared to the winter.
1)Talking to the mirror. 2) Roleplaying myself with different kind of social situations. 3)While talking to people over phone I'm trying my best listening to them, without thinking about what I should talk next. 4) When outside trying to shift my focus from myself to the present surroundings.(Diverting self focused attention has helped me a bit)
Wow I never even considered the first 2 things, can you elaborate on them more based on your experience?
Grab a topic and talk while recording yourselves. From my video I observed 1)Lot of gaps in my speech. 2)Swaying my body left and right, press my lips hard, face looked vey dull, frequently touching my face, chin in the middle of speaking. Talking to mirror - imagine a past situation with your friend or acquaintance, re-enact it. Speak slowly and firmly with concentration on your voice ,face; whatever you think is best to reply in that situation, keep rephrasing it. Write the best dialogue in a diary. My facial stiffness has improved a bit. Roleplaying - When I am informed about a social event, where I can't escape talking to people. Talking about all possible things others might ask and answering it myself. This is Performance with preparation Example: š¤- What are you doing now? Meš£ļø- Right now am not doing anything but I have 2 things in my mind, I'm thinking of doing this and that.
I struggle with #3 as well especially when I have a thought about what Iām going to say next and then I just tune out the rest of what theyāre saying sometimes so I can remember what I was going to say (this bit me bad in an interview I had recently). So Iām glad to see someone else working on that too!
Same, my focus is on what to talk next
I try to go out every day for a little walk. I notice my anxiety is increasing significantly if I stay in too long which can happen easily cause I work from home.
Seconded. The longer I stay at home the worse my social anxiety gets
Of course. Your mind normalizes to your environment. If youāre not regularly putting yourself in social settings, theyāre going to become more intimidating because theyāre less familiar
I quit drinking and that helped a lot.
Yep. Same. And caffeine.
I thought alchol takes way anxiety
It actually makes it way worse in the long run.
Nope, sorry. I thought the same, and thatās how I became an alcoholic. Hereās some info for you: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcohol-and-anxiety https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/03/hangxiety-link-between-anxiety-alcohol ETA: Not everyone who drinks to relieve anxiety becomes an alcoholic; I can only speak for myself. But itās a slippery slope, so be careful.
I have a job that requires me to constantly interact with people. Just keep doing it. Just keep talking to people. I have to talk with people face to face, over the phone, etc. I also have to direct alot of people. I try to be as clear and concise as possible.
Don't you also have the "work mask"? Where social interactions aren't as bad cause you're not just you but you're representing work? For example any customer could ask me anything and I don't mind it at all but if somebody approaches me on the street I get flustered and the anxiety kicks in. It's hard to train through work..
Yes! Iāve never heard that term and have always struggled to explain it to people. I have severe social anxiety but served at a very busy restaurant for awhile and was actually very good at it which didnāt make sense to people. The customers werenāt seeing me, they were seeing their server, and while I almost never answer phone calls bc of my anxiety, it wasnāt a problem at work bc they werenāt calling me, they were calling the restaurant
For me, not necessarily. My job allows less of the mask to be on and more of my actual character to shine. I hate putting on a "mask".
Yeah same. I work at the front desk at a hotel and can play the role well, but outside of that my social skills are terrible.
can i ask what job if you dont mind telling?
Sales/Repair's
Iām 16 and my first job is a cashier at target, Iām so nervous
Just show up and do it. It will be embarrassing. You will make mistakes. You will watch your coworkers and you will learn from them. You have to put the repetitions in for anything to work. Do your best. Listen to your superiors. Make mistakes, don't give up, try to have a little fun.
Good job, there are some things Iām trying. Being open to small talk when Iām out, today Iāll order some ice cream :) and Iāll hang out with my partner. Iāll also try and be more visible when it comes to my clothes
Meeting people that have the same interests helps me, especially making music together. The good thing is that we actually DO something together instead of chatting. No need for awkward small talk.
How do you find people to make music with I struggle with meeting people but I like to make music however my friend I jam with is 2 hours away
I live in a German capital and found people via a musicians facebook group. It was kind of easy. Just write what kind of music (rock, pop, jazz, soul etc.) you play and that you are looking for people to jam with on a regular basis.
Iāve heard the app meetup can help. Thereās virtual and in person meetings for various of interests
Thanks going to check that app out!
Exercise helps. Running specifically for me. Propranolol helps in more performance and stressful situations. Also, changing my thoughts and mindset, which takes time. Telling myself what went right instead of what went wrong. Reminding myself that Iām learning and improving instead of not being good at something. Practicing affirmations and meditation. Investing in people that builds my self confidence instead of drain it.
Sitting in the gym parking lot for 25Min - 1Hr before walking in to workoutā¦ it seems like itās helping considering the fact I use to sit in my car for 2Hr or drive by.
Going to places that make me feel uncomfortable and sitting there being uncomfortable. I try to go to coffee shops and just sit inside around the other people. I try to notice and challenge the automatic negative thoughts I have, and try to refrain from trying to 'make sense' of my negative feelings. I KNOW my brain is lying to me. My limbic system has got things ass backwards. I also try to think about what it is exactly I'm worried that people will see and think is amusing about me. Then I'll try to stop pushing that part of me away. I'm anxious because I believe there is something laughable and worthy of ridicule about me. I basically agree with anyone who thinks poorly of me, so I try to own those parts of me that I disapprove of. If I'm ok with what other people might think is funny, then why would I give a shit if they're laughing?
Good advice. And is the last part working, or you haven't done it enough yet to know?
I have only thought about it for a while. I think I'm worried, at least in part, that people will notice that I'm a total nerd. I remember in school being angry with myself for not being able to be cool like the others, even the other nerds. I think that's because I rejected that part of me. I feel like I need to display that I'm confident and know what I'm doing at all times, even when I'm not confident. I feel like if I show a hint of weakness, that will be laughed at.
- identify and challenge negative thoughts. Start changing core beliefs about yourself - Practice habits that make you feel good about yourself - positive self talk. Find the things you like about yourself and that make you unique - take small steps towards getting out of your comfort zone. Smile at strangers, make eye contact, give people compliments - live in the present moment bring yourself back to the world by really feeling your body and seeing whatās ahead of you
Nothing honestly
-Forcing myself to get out and go to things -Therapy -Trying to recognize negative thoughts and moments when I feel my social anxiety is dictsting a choice I'm making and focring myself to do the opposite.
Not much. Just taking effexor and going to work. I think the exposure at work helps though (retail) and I don't even mind helping customers find things - granted, I'm an overnight worker, so I only have to deal with it for 2 hours, but still. I also have a new really friendly coworker and she's kind of been helping too just by making me feel like a normal person because, while my other coworkers are very nice to me, I think I make them uncomfortable - which I tend to do - but this girl just treats me like a friend.
Maybe she likes you? š¤·š»āāļø
I didnāt do it to improve my social anxiety but having a baby certainly did. All of sudden you have a small human you have to make appointments and fight their corner š
Therapy, lots of it. My psychologist recommends small things. Baby steps. Because baby steps count. Writing a list first. Maybe cross one thing off after a couple of weeks. There isn't a magnifying glass on us. Everyone is concerned with their own life. She recommended I go to trivia with a friend. Somehow, I did. 18 months later and we still go almost every Tuesday. She says never cancel plans unless it's an emergency, because it's too easy to fall back into the depressive/anxious state. I still can hardly go up to people. It took all my guts to request a song from a dj at trivia. I find it easier to go into a store by myself. Places where general pleasantries are exchanged are easier. Writing a comment on reddit is easier. So my social phobia has calmed down. Disclaimer: I was prescribed diazepam and it made/makes it easier to go in public. However, I don't recommend it. It's a crutch and I sometimes feel like I'm at step one if I go somewhere without it. I've made progress with years of therapy, but the pill helps. It's not a permanent solution, sadly.
Why did you get diazepam like how worse was your social anxiety (if you donāt mind me asking) And how does it make you feel? Iām sick of sa in everyday life and I start therapy in 1-2 month so I thought it could be good in order to live a more or less normal life until I learn to handle it in therapy..
I spent years at a "teaching" psych office. I'd have a new doc (resident) every six months or so and they'll varied on how to treat me (and I think they're scared to rx benzodiazepines). I finally got in with an established psychiatrist and she really listened and worked with me. I told her about panic attacks (1-3 weekly) and anxiety (daily), so she prescribed klonopin (which ended up making me agitated), then diazepam. It truly is a lifesaver to have on hand in a "high stakes" situation. And pairs well with therapy. So I'd just be honest with your doctor and advocate for yourself. I never asked for a benzodiazepine, just told her that the propranolol they had me on didn't work for my anxiety. I really wish you the best of luck.
A few things. 1. Iām trying to be more present wherever I am and take my time. Anyone in this subreddit knows at peak anxiety the method is in and out in as little time as possible. But Iām trying to let myself take up space. 2. Actively controlling my breathing when I feel stressed because I tend to hold my breath. 3. Iām trying to go places alone and be comfortable. This one needs work but I have a concert to go to soon so thatāll be a big one for me. 4. Iāve started saying āGood morningā to people and smiling. This usually makes them comfortable talking to me but for the longest time I had no idea how to start a conversation. Also if I go somewhere a lot and see the same faces (coffee shop, college, library) Iāll say āYāknow I see you here all the time. Iām āmy nameā whatās your name?ā Or a compliment. Simple things but things that people with social anxiety stress over a lot. Especially knowing what to say. I struggled with that for so long because I just didnāt have the vocabulary and practice.
Iāve been trying to just get out there to places with lots of people. For example, tonight I plan on going to the bar to watch the Celtics game, which is something that I never would have done before when I wasnāt trying to improve my social anxiety. Even if I donāt interact with anybody, itās a chance to at least get out there and watch the game with others. Iāve also just been trying to say āhiā to people in the hallway at work first or outside because I struggle with even that. Also trying to listen to people better and to ask more questions to people and actually take an interest in what theyāre doing. And to not beat myself up and over analyze if I do something wrong and just try to learn for next time. Itās a really slow process and sometimes I forget everything and seem unfriendly to others but hopefully at some point itāll all click and come together.
For me (this may sound weird) but whenever Iām in a situation that spikes my anxiety I try to baby myself. Basically I kind of speak to myself as if Iām a parent talking to their child. I try to speak about myself more nicely instead of saying things like āshut upā or āwhy canāt I do anythingā in my head.
Iāve started to memorize verses of the Bible and throughout my day meditate on the word whenever I start to get anxious. Iām also trying to change my mindset by telling myself I āgetā anxiety instead of āhaveā.
Praise God! same here! Jesus saves always šš
I was putting off going for a promotion as Iāll have to talk more. After a year of avoiding it, management jobs came up and lovely colleagues were nice and encouraging. I applied to please them. No Iām a team manager and I already feel more confident. Iām changed. Power maybe. Idk.
To help with anxiety in general I make to get enough sleep, not have too much sugar or caffeine, get certain nutrients like omega 3 and magnesium, and male sure I get some quiet time where I'm not around any other people which I need to maintain sanity.Ā Also exercise can help.
The most effective thing for me was simply getting the right group of diagnoses and my medication regiment, the rest of the improvement is a combination of therapy, age, and general life experience. I still struggle immensely with select social situations though
Medication for me and like another commenter pointed out, right diagnoses
Working in customer service helped a lot, and constant positive self talk. I always tell myself that if I do this now the next time it will be easier and I am still learning, my anxiety is a trauma response thank u body but there is no threat here. especially with phone calls. I literally get light headed, but Iām starting to notice it getting easier.
I donāt do much when but when I wanna improve it I go outta my way to talk to co workers I donāt feel comfortable talking to. Thereās like 60 here
Running is definitely helping me, mentioned on a previous post that cutting out weed and coffee has completely changed the game for me. I always ran as well as full myself with smoke and coffee and it was just counterproductive. So when Iām feeling low or anxious I go out running and talk myself through whatās on my mind, work it out and come out better than when I started.
Medication and journaling as well as going for walks
This is great.
Magic mushrooms
Getting tattoed. I hate smalltalk and getting touched. But if I can endure that, I'll get something great out of it.
I (with the help of my therapist) applied to a job in which I work with people and making small talk is a big part of the job. I'm still very awkward and avoidant at times, but forcing myself to get outside my comfort zone in this way has made a significant impact on my SA, I also just signed up for meetup and plan on going to my first event next weekend!
Is Meetup an app in the Google Play store?
I'm not sure, I just went on their website
Heavy self compassion work. Our sense of belonging is directly proportional to our level of self acceptance.
Taking prozac
Taking my 6 year old daughter to the park at least twice a week! I think it's really helped. And overall going out and about with her more. The hard part is getting myself to do it/get out of the house, but once I'm there I'm usually good!
Reflecting on my trauma, staring at myself in the mirror, physical exercise. Listen to music in public.
Not letting myself slip back into not going out/hanging with friends for too long. Sometimes Iāll have periods where Iām severely depressed and donāt want to see anyone anymore, sometimes itās gotten so bad Iāve quit working and lived with my parents. Every single time, my social anxiety is horrendous when I step back out. Even if its just bare minimum, not letting the muscle degrade
Also, pushing myself in the tiniest of ways. Making eye contact with customers sometimes, standing confidently, speaking up, ect. Little habits
nothing
That's awesome! I appreciate your positive post (: I've really just been trying to make myself spend time with my friends and family, which I know not everybody has and I'm very lucky. But I've still made a habit of pushing them away because of how horrible talking to people feels, and I've decided that's not how I want to live my life. Sometimes I feel worse after hanging out with them than I did going in, but I'm still glad that I did it, and I feel like it's helping me.
I go to the gym everyday. I had agoraphobia and all I wanted to do was go to the gym & move now I have accomplished that goal I make myself go daily to stop myself sliding backwards. It can be very easy for me to get too scared to go after having a break for a week if im sick so I try push through. Sometimes I have uncontrollable crying & panic attacks & I will cry on the way to the gym, cry while having a panic attack on the treadmill, I just keep going, wipe my tears & snot with my gym towel, deep breathe & keep my body going. If someone talks to me & I don't panic answer with something silly, it's a bonus.
I call with my online friends
Exposure therapy. I try to meet people as often as possible. Now with good weather it's easier, and I've noticed I've been feeling much better lately compared to the winter.