Social anxiety

I have experienced general and social anxiety on and off throughout my life. It is definitely more pronounced during my autumn and winter. I am frustrated because I have come a long way in being in social situations and learning how to regulate, but in some situations it still comes up and to a degree strong enough where I have to leave the meeting/group, etc. in order to regulate myself again which can be embarrassing and draws attention to me, making the situation feel even worse. I am wondering if I need to accept this trait about myself and learn to have that as part of my life or keep giving myself hope that I can change? I am frustrated because when the social anxiety comes up, it keeps me from participating in the things I want to do because I become so overwhelmed and uncomfortable.

 

Answer:

This is such a great question. First, though, let me say that it’s totally understandable that you feel frustrated, especially since your thought about having anxiety is that it is keeping you from participating in the things you want to do. Of course you’re frustrated! Back to your question about either accepting this is part of you or giving yourself hope that you can change, it’s not an either/or, black and white scenario…it’s a grey-zone ‘and’ scenario. And what I mean when I say that is you can accept that this is a part of you and you change. Do you think this is possible for you to believe? Why or why not? Come back to us with a follow up post titled ‘Social anxiety pt. 2’ when you’re ready.