Have you ever felt anxious in social situations? Maybe you get nervous, your palms are sweaty, or you cannot think of anything to say. When this occurs frequently and particularly at social gatherings, you may end up having social anxiety.
At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare Inc., we understand how tough social anxiety can be. However, you can develop confidence even in cases where anxiety appears to be too much.
Let’s explore social anxiety. We’ll cover what it is, its causes, and how to take small steps to feel better and more confident with the proper support.
Understanding Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is the fear of being judged, humiliated, or taunted in public. It may occur during a big gathering (at school or the workplace) or in an individual setting.
Common signs include:
- Worrying too much before social events
- Avoiding people or places
- Feeling ill or shaky in social settings
- Believing others are watching or judging you
These feelings can be strong, but they don’t have to control your life.
At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare, we create personalized treatment plans. These plans help you manage your symptoms and regain control of your life.
You Are Not Alone
Social anxiety in many people is common. A few are naturally shy, while others project confidence but feel jittery inside. Your reactions are normal, and it is not all your fault. You will be able to get better with time and support.
If social anxiety affects your life, our founder, Francis Okafor, MSN, PMHNP-BC, and our caring psychiatric team can help. We offer evidence-based telepsychiatry for ages 10–17 and adults 18+.
How to Build Confidence When Social Anxiety Takes Over
Start Small: One Step at a Time
Confidence does not come in one day. It gradually develops. Here are some small steps to help you:
- Practice Speaking in Comfortable Places
Turn to a person that you can trust, a friend or parent. The future interactions will not be as complicated as talking about your feelings in safe spaces.
- Use Positive Self-Talk
When your brain says, “I cannot do this,” you should have some thoughts like, “I am trying my best,” or “it is normal to feel nervous.”
At Focus Medical, we help clients reframe negative thoughts and build empowering self-beliefs.
- Journaling
Keep a journal to express your feelings and identify triggers. The first benefits of writing are the improvement of self-awareness and the identification of coping strategies.
Confront Your Fears Gradually
You don’t need to jump into big crowds right away. Start with simple actions:
- Smile at someone
- Greet a neighbor
- Ask a question in class or at a meeting
- Join a small group activity
Every small step helps you face your fears.
At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare, we provide therapy and medication management to support your journey, especially for anxiety disorders, social anxiety, or panic attacks.
Learn to Breathe and Relax
When you’re anxious, try these calming techniques:
- Deep Breathing: Inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold, then exhale for 4 seconds.
- Grounding: Identify 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.
- Gentle Movement: The body and mind can get rid of the tension in the body by exercising, either stretching or walking.
Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare is here to assist. Our provider will teach you ways of managing stress and overcoming life issues.
Celebrate Every Achievement (Big or Small)
Celebrate every step. Write down achievements, no matter how small. Reflecting on these moments shows your progress.
At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare, we help clients track their progress and celebrate milestones. Every step matters in your mental health journey.
Build a Support Network
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Seek out people who:
- Listen without judgment
- Offer encouragement
- Inspires you to try new things
These can be family members, friends, guidance staff, or psychological practitioners.
At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare, healing starts with connection and support. Our compassionate team is always here to help you thrive.
Reframe Your Self-Perception
Instead of labeling yourself “shy”, try “I’m developing my confidence.”
Healthily talk to yourself. You are not a weak person because you faced your fears. Confidence has nothing to do with being the loudest one, but with being able to feel within yourself.
Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare assists clients with mood disorders, low self-esteem, and personality disorders to enhance their sense of self by using customized care.
Explore New Activities
Trying new things can help raise your confidence. Some ideas to think about:
- Join a class (art, dance, music)
- Volunteer for a small task
- Begin a hobby you love
- Speak in front of a mirror to practice
Every new experience helps you grow. At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare, we support you with custom treatment plans tailored to your life.
Practice Self-Compassion
Healing takes time. You may feel strong one day and anxious the next. Be kind to yourself and accept yourself as you would your friends.
At Focus Medical, we remind clients: You deserve care, compassion, and support, no matter where you are on your journey.
Final Thoughts
Social anxiety is tough, but not tougher than you. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build. Step by step.
At Focus Medical and Mental Healthcare Inc., we are here to support you.
Whether you’re a teen feeling anxious at school or an adult struggling to speak up at work, we offer telepsychiatry services, psychiatric evaluations, and anxiety treatment to help you thrive.
Schedule an appointment today and let us help you uncover the confident, capable person you already are.
FAQs
Q: Can I ever fully overcome social anxiety?
You cannot get rid of it, but you can treat it to a point of not being controlled by it.
Q: What triggers social anxiety the most?
The most typical causes are speaking to a crowd, meeting new acquaintances, being at the center of attention, or being criticized.
