Help Enhance Your IRL Social Interactions

Some of my clients thrive in social settings. They love to meet new people, spark conversations, and connect with others. Socializing is a mechanism that satiates their curiosity. However, some of my clients experience social anxiety instead. The idea of a holiday party gives them the heebie-jeebies from head to toe. The negative thoughts related to the event can become so intense that they can literally make themselves physically ill in order to not attend. Although this intense emotional dysregulation is common, we do not have to fall victim to it. 

We can practice self compassion and mindfulness to move through the emotion. Rather than catastrophizing, we can imagine the positive outcomes that are equally possible. We can experiment and invite a learning experience.

A recent article “The Relationship Between ADHD and Social Anxiety” on PsychCentral.com quotes licensed professional counselor Myisha Jackson:

“While your instincts may tell you to avoid situations, that may not be the best coping method. ‘When it comes to social anxiety, I encourage people not to use avoidance...Try not to put off tasks or avoid doing them because it may worsen your social anxiety.’

Instead, Jackson recommends you slowly engage in settings that may cause social anxiety.

‘You may want to start going to events where there are not many people, or when you do have to go to places with a large audience, consider bringing someone along with you,’ she says.”

What is one thing you might want to try, just as an experiment, to make your social engagements easier?

Book a FREE consult before 2023.