social anxiety it is a common experience and having it does not prevent you from leading a full life. It would be better to face your worries and stop freaking out during the holiday and party season. It is a common problem that typically manifests itself during teenage years. It can be really annoying and have a significant effect on your life. Some people find that things get better as they get older. However, it often persists despite receiving treatment for a long time. If you experience symptoms, it is essential to seek help. Treatments are available to help you control it. (Also read: 5 Anxiety-Related Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore This Holiday Season )
Israa Nasir, folk therapist and mental health expert suggested five tips for managing social anxiety at a party in her Instagram post.
1. Prepare ahead of time. If you’re going with someone, let them know a signal that you’d like to leave. If you go alone, have an exit plan (even if you don’t use it, it feels safer to have it). Think of topics you can talk about (if talking to others makes you feel anxious).
2. Offer help to the host. Acts of kindness lower stress hormones (cortisol) and can help you relax. Plus, it gives you something to do.
3. Focus on the present moment. Anxiety takes you to the future, you worry that something bad will happen. So, if you start to feel your thoughts going to a future “what if” scenario and your body starts to activate, pay attention to the room you’re in. Notice the color of the clothing the person in front of you is wearing.
4. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking too much or using drugs to relieve anxiety. This can backfire at times and can end up in awkward or potentially dangerous situations.
5. Keep going to (safe) social gatherings. Find ways to tolerate discomfort, rather than avoid it. Avoiding what makes you anxious will only increase your anxiety.
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