10 Easy Ways to Overcome Social Anxiety Disorder

Today we conclude our exploration of anxiety with some practical tips for overcome anxiety!

--

Everybody experiences shyness in certain situations at one time or another. Whether it's on a first date, or taking the podium at conference or even going to a party with new people, it's natural to feel slightly anxious in unknown situations. However, there is a disorder that many people confuse with simple shyness, that actually is far more intense and problematic than being shy.

Shyness usually only manifests in a particular type of situation, allowing you to be quite functional in everyday life. Social anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is quite different, where if left untreated will cause you to destroy every personal connection in your life. Here are 10 easy ways to overcome social anxiety disorder.

#1 - FIND A GOOD THERAPIST: 

This is usually the first step to serious treatment when you recognize that you may have social anxiety disorder. A good therapist will help you get to the root of your problem and proscribe exercises to do to overcome it. Try to get a referral from someone you trust.

#2 - JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP: 

A support group is a great way to interact with people whom you know will be understanding of your problem and supportive in your efforts to seek treatment.

Check out Rachel's Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Virtual meeting as a start!

#3 - READ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN: 

Get all of the self-help books that you can and look for ways to help change your thought processes and get you out of your shell. Knowing the most you can about social anxiety disorder will help you overcome it more effectively.

#4 - FIGURE OUT YOUR SYMPTOMS: 

Take notes and analyze how and under what circumstances your social anxiety disorder manifests itself.

#5 - ASSESS YOUR SAD TRIGGERS: 

After you've figured out your symptoms, look for what triggers them in social and professional situations.

#6 - PROCESS YOUR DISORDER: 

Come to grips with the idea that you have this disorder, and make a concerted effort that you will overcome it.

#7 - GET BACK OUT THERE: 

Look for little ways to forge small social interactions that you can use to build your therapy on. Idle chit chat and small talk is a great way to alleviate a lot of the stress and anxiety you are feeling.

#8 - WORK ON IT ALL THE TIME: 

For your treatment to be effective, you have to be vigilant. Work on it all the time to avoid the temptation to recede back into your mental shell.

#9 - WORK TO OVERCOME YOUR NATURAL RESPONSE: 

The most difficult part of the process of overcoming social anxiety disorder is retraining your mental habits and going against your natural inclinations. With effort and practice, you can do this.

#10 - EMPLOY THE POSITIVE: 

One of the most common traits of social anxiety disorder is the succumbing to negative thoughts and dwelling on them. But focus on the positive things you can do and use these as a basis to bolster your confidence.

---

Joshua Uebergang, aka "Tower of Power", teaches social skills to help shy guys build friends and influence people. Visit his blog and sign-up free to get communication techniques, relationship-boosting strategies, and life-building tips by email, along with blog updates, and more! Go now to http://www.towerofpower.com.au/free/