Anxiety

Advice

How do you handle moments of anxiety in social situations?

Handling moments of anxiety in social situations is a challenge many people face, impacting connections and overall well-being. For individuals experiencing social anxiety, navigating parties, meetings, or even casual conversations can feel overwhelming, triggering physical and mental distress. Understanding effective coping mechanisms is crucial for managing these moments and improving quality of life, especially for those dealing with symptoms related to Social Anxiety Disorder.

Recognizing the importance of shared experiences and practical advice, we asked our community: "How do you handle moments of anxiety in social situations?" We wanted to gather real-world strategies from people who understand these challenges firsthand, hoping their insights could offer support and practical ideas to others facing similar difficulties.

The responses revealed a range of coping strategies, highlighting several key themes. Many community members emphasized the importance of grounding techniques like focused breathing and physical self-soothing. Others stressed the value of temporarily removing oneself from the overwhelming situation to regain composure. Mindset shifts, self-talk, and finding ways to manage physical symptoms also emerged as common approaches.

Common Social Anxiety Experiences Shared by Our Community

Utilizing grounding techniques like deep breathing and focusing on physical sensations.
Strategically stepping away or finding a quiet space to decompress.
Employing internal coping mechanisms such as positive self-talk and shifting focus.
Dealing with physical manifestations like fidgeting, skin picking, or nervous habits.
Finding value in honesty and communicating needs to others when feeling overwhelmed.

Our community discussed

What are effective grounding techniques for social anxiety?

Many community members shared techniques focused on bringing awareness back to the body and the present moment. These methods help interrupt anxious thought patterns and reduce physical tension during stressful social interactions.

Jake

5 months ago

Take a moment to breathe and release muscle tension

315

maxine

7 months ago

Lots of conscious breathing, i typically hold my hands together or cross my legs or sway to be present

284

Satoko

7 months ago

look up the sky and feel the nature

156

Shantelle

6 months ago

A technique a therapist taught me in the past to manage physical signs of anxiety (nail biting, skin picking, bouncing leg, etc.) during social interactions is to imagine that the person you are talking to is really boring 😅 to make you appear more relaxed.

211

Our community discussed

Is it okay to step away when feeling overwhelmed by social anxiety?

Taking a break emerged as a widely used and accepted strategy. Members shared the importance of recognizing limits and creating physical space to calm down before potentially rejoining the social situation.

Lupin

6 months ago

Go for a walk

267

Suraj

7 months ago

Go off into a quiet space and rejoin when I’m ready to go back in

305

Jennifer

7 months ago

Avoidance, remove myself from the situation.

198

Erika

6 months ago

Remember it’s okay to step away to take a breather and decompress for a few moments.

331

Our community discussed

How can mindset shifts help manage social anxiety symptoms?

Internal strategies, including self-talk, focusing on others, and adopting different perspectives, were highlighted as powerful tools. These techniques aim to reframe the anxious experience mentally.

Hilda

7 months ago

I try to be curious and find something that interests me of the other person, something relatable.

241

Tone

6 months ago

If it’s stressful but manageable, I will amp up my self talk—“you’re trying something new, you want to try something new” “you’re uncomfortable and you got this” “if it’s too much for you and you need to avoid, do that, it’s all good”

295

Bri

6 months ago

I try to remind myself that people aren’t even noticing most of the things that I’m anxious about.

318

Alwyn

6 months ago

I think of a confident celebrity whom I can relate and then act with that aura

177

Our community discussed

Acknowledging the Reality: Physical Symptoms and Honest Communication

Members candidly shared the physical ways anxiety manifests (like fidgeting or skin picking) and the coping mechanisms used. Some also highlighted the relief found in being honest with others about their anxiety.

Micaela

7 months ago

I try not to pull my hair out or pick my skin

188

8 months ago

If I’m being honest, I begin to fidget and look down. My facial expressions aren’t really much help either because I have a bit of a sad resting face when that happens which leads to people asking what’s wrong which leads to me not knowing what to say. Like “oh just anxiety,” then they’re like “of what?” People man…people😭😭✋🏼I’ve gone home once from a party due to it. It felt good

253

Jan

6 months ago

I’m just honest and tell them that I need a quick breather to regain composure.

279

Ambre

7 months ago

I always keep it real and say, yeah I’m just having an anxiety attack right now. Lol

226

Advice from our community

How to Cope with Social Anxiety Based on Real Experiences

Practice Grounding: Use conscious breathing, focus on your senses, or engage in small physical actions (like holding your hands) to stay present.
Permit Yourself Breaks: It's okay to step away. Find a quiet spot, take a short walk, or remove yourself entirely if needed to regulate your nervous system.
Use Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself that you can handle the discomfort, that people likely aren't judging you as harshly as you think, and that trying is an achievement.
Consider Openness: If comfortable, being honest about needing a moment due to anxiety can sometimes alleviate pressure and foster understanding.