Learning how to deal with anxiety is an important part of human life. Many issues and situations arise and cause distress to all individuals.
Without ideal ways to cope with these incidences, fear can become crippling. Stress is associating with warranted or unwarranted dread in anticipation of expected events.
Individuals have different reactions to anxiety and the severity in which it affects people is different. While there is the expected apprehension in every human, anxiety disorders can be very severe.
These disorders are identifying as a real mental issue that requires attention and treatment.
However, anxiety in most people can be dealt with by lifestyle changes and other therapeutic practices.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is the most common fear experienced by individuals and is usually identifying as social phobia. It is not easily recognized, and the mild forms are brushed away as shyness.
A person who has social anxiety will have a real and persistent fear of being in social situations. The range of severity is wide, and it can be overwhelming.
Some individuals will be unable even to deal with normal activities such as walking to the store.
However, in most cases, individuals are afraid of being in social gatherings. The thought of meeting new people and talking to people will cause a deep feeling of trepidation.
They are afraid of being judged and scrutinized by people. They also fear that they will say or do something that other people will find humiliating.
Learning how to deal with anxiety can help control the social phobia that you experience. It is important to note that the people who suffer from social anxiety are usually well aware of their fear.
They logically understand that the fear is irrational and that the distress it causes is not reasonable. However, like other anxiety disorders, it is still difficult to overcome and face the situations head on.
Typical life situations are disrupting.
School activities and work become difficult to deal with, and the subsequent productivity is extremely low. Social relationships are extremely hard to form for those who are affected.
Most will only relate to immediate family members who they have known for a long time.
How To Deal With Anxiety
There are many recommended treatments and self-help practices on how to handle stress. If you are a parent, it is vital that you recognize the difference between shyness and social anxiety.
While shy children will get used to new situations, those with real anxiety display extreme distress in normal activities including playing.
You can seek the advice of a child therapist if you recognize such signs.
Self-help will require a strong will and commitment to overcoming the effects of being in social situations. The worst way to deal with social anxiety is by use of alcohol and other drugs.
It will create dependency, and the solution is only temporary.
Consider using more wholesome methods and taking up healthier practices.
Resisting Negative Thoughts
There is complexity in social anxiety, but it is characterizing by fear of other people’s thoughts. You will know how to deal with stress when you recognize the negative thinking patterns. Foretelling about future events is not a possibility.
Every premonition or apparent future scenario your mind can see is not reliable, and you should resist trying to make predictions of the possibilities that may happen.
Attempting to read minds or deduce other people’s thoughts is a huge trigger for anxiety. Do not assume what people are thinking because it will distress you. There are a lot of actions that will take place in a social situation that will not be focusing on you.
If something happens, do not automatically assume that it is connecting to you and that every mishap is your fault. If you feel like your thoughts are going to go in any of these directions, constantly think logically.
If you cannot think positively, focus on realistic thoughts and deductions.
You can remind yourself that there is no way you can know what will happen in the future, and the people who seem to be looking at you are probably being lost in thought.
Relaxation Techniques
Anxiety can become overwhelming when you immediately make an entry into a social situation. Hyperventilation is a real possibility, and it is important to control the urge to breathe quickly.
To relieve the tension and mitigate the feeling of suffocation, try some subtle relaxation techniques.
Breathe intentionally through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Make it slow and intentional until the heart rate normalizes and any signs of dizziness dissipate.
This exercise is a short-term solution when the anxiety hits. Try long-term therapeutic activities that focus on relaxation. There are many yoga exercises designed to enable you to learn muscle relaxation.
Meditation should also be useful in learning how to control thought patterns.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some changes in your lifestyle can prevent aggravation of the anxiety. It is not a treatment in itself but often, some habits can increase the chances of an anxiety attack.
Avoid stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine. They will increase the symptoms and make relaxation practices less effective. Alcohol will also reduce your levels of control and leave you open to the full effects of an anxiety attack.
Getting enough sleep will also go a long way into helping the mind and body to be at ease.
Challenging Your Anxiety
Facing your fears can help you overcome social anxiety. However, this is a step that you should take with extreme caution. If you decide to face your fears, consider creating a plan that takes one step at a time.
You can set a challenge plan with gradual levels. If you overcome one situation, then you can get ready for the next.
Hiding from your fears will not help you progress, but you should avoid doing anything that is too overwhelming.
In Summary
You can overcome social anxiety. If you feel that you will not manage to deal with the anxiety by yourself, consider seeking professional assistance.
You can engage a therapist or join a support group that understands your challenges.
With determination, you can learn how to deal with anxiety and overcome the limitations.
