Social Anxiety and Your Life

I've been talking to a lot of people lately who seem to be very worried about what other people think about them.  People worry about all kinds of things, from the way that they look, to if they sound like an idiot when they talk. Some people are so worried about how others perceive them that they willfully give up living altogether to avoid having to be in any type of social situation, even if it means that they miss out on some really fun things that they would otherwise enjoy very much.

These complex feelings of worry, anxiety, sweating, blushing, or even fear is called Social Anxiety.  This is a real and treatable disorder.  If you would like to know more about clinical treatment...click HERE.

Now, onto the personal aspect of social anxiety.  Since social anxiety takes many forms and can be mild to severe, there are some things that you can do to help yourself.

1. Who's life are you living, yours or theirs? - If you allow others to dictate how you live your life, you are going to be miserable.  You should live your life to make yourself happy, successful and comfortable.  Spending your whole life worrying about what others "might be thinking" isn't going to accomplish anything but gray hair, wrinkles and stress.

2. Learn to acknowledge and accept the support of friends and family who do not judge you. - Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a person you just met is going to be judgmental or not.  That is okay, no one can tell right off the bat.  However, when you DO get to know someone and they have proven to be loving, supportive members of your inner circle...take advantage of it.  Do not shun them when they invite you to the movies, or the mall.  Having that loving, caring individual by your side will help you when you encounter a new person that may make you feel uncomfortable.

3. Try to remember that people are not BORN bad. - Humans in general are innately good.  We can become bad based on the events that happen to us during our lives.  A lot of people have a bad childhood, or life, and are still good people...(please feel free to read my LIFE STORY. )

4. Who are you in your Life Story? - Are you the hero or the villain?  Are you even the main character in YOUR story? Some people live their lives for their job or their kids...why aren't you living your life for yourself?  When you are laying on your deathbed, how many regrets will you have for not doing what you should have/could have/would have done?

You can overcome ANYTHING.  It doesn't matter what obstacles this life throws at you, you WILL get through it!  Don't let what other people think of you keep you from living your life and having fun.