I Have Social Anxiety

What would you do differently if anxiety did not hold you back?

Have you done anything to push past the fear and go beyond your comfort zone even in the smallest way?

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Serpico · 51-55, M

The first part of the question may be too big an answer.
Second part though.... building an internal and psychological On/Off switch. Going to that gathering? OK flip the On switch and wear that mask of protection. When its over flip it Off. I know it sounds trite but it is what I have used for years. Not allowing your social awkwardness or anxiety to reveal itself and basically being an Actor for a few hours a day.

Ladyred · 46-50, F

@Serpico Yes, you bring up a good point about tools available to us to function in spite of. The switch you speak of I have had to develop because I am an empath/highly sensitive so I have had to learn to put my shield up in certain situations.

Serpico · 51-55, M

@Ladyred And therein lies the reason for social anxiety... the more intuitive folks tend to be this way because the impulses are always coming at them so strong it leads to wanting to avoid it.

Ladyred · 46-50, F

@Serpico I do believe that these things are a contributing factor, although I must say knowledge is truly half the battle. Knowing I am sensitive in this way I can prepare for it ahead of time. However, the root of my social anxiety is found in some of my earliest posts here.

Serpico · 51-55, M

@Ladyred Intuitiveness does contribute heavily.... I will have to dig into your earlier posts and see what you mean...