Social situations can feel overwhelming for many people. It could be meeting new people, going to a family gathering, or speaking up in a group. When fear of anxiety attacks or trauma symptoms take over, it seems best just to steer clear. But social ties are essential. Avoiding them can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected.
You’re not alone. But there are steps you can take to feel more in control. Some things to try:
- Make a plan. Before a social event, think about things you could talk about. Come up with questions to ask others. Having a plan can lessen stress.
- Take small steps. Begin with low-pressure social settings. For example, grab a coffee with a friend. Or go for a walk.
- Practice grounding techniques. If you start feeling anxious, try counting objects or focusing on your senses to help you stay in the present.
- Challenge negative thoughts: Learning to flip self-criticism to self-compassion can help. Instead of “I always say the wrong thing,” replace it with “I’m a straight shooter.”
- Be realistic about your boundaries. You don’t need to do everything. Skipping a party with people who make you feel bad about yourself? Makes sense. Skipping a close relative’s wedding because being around so many people makes you fearful of an anxiety attack? That may be a sign that it’s time to get help.
While coping strategies like these can help in the moment, they aren’t always enough. Treatment can help you get to the root of your symptoms. Freespira is an at-home treatment that retrains your breathing patterns to calm your body and mind in just 28 days without medication. Eligibility is based on your symptoms and how they impact your life.
It’s time to reconnect with life and feel confident in every interaction. To find out if you qualify risk-free, complete the symptom survey below.
