There are a number of reasons why you may want to find and use your own self-help strategies for managing social anxiety disorder (SAD). Perhaps you are just contemplating seeking help, currently receiving therapy or medication, or are experiencing a relapse of symptoms that were previously under control. Although there is no substitute for effective treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered by a professional with expertise in SAD, self-help strategies can be used in conjunction to help weather the rough spots.
The SAD forum currently has a post containing some interesting tips and strategies for managing social anxiety. For example:
"Whenever you have social anxiety thoughts, try to imagine what the other person (or people) might be thinking and feeling instead. But here's the catch--none of those imagined thoughts or feelings can be about what they think of you."
To read more about these strategies or to share some of your own, visit the SAD forum.
Social Anxiety can be paralyzing. I know it used to be for me … especially when I was agoraphobic. Fortunately, I found a thought and behavioural modification program that really changed my life around. I don’t have panic attacks or social anxiety before… and I used to fear I would always have to be medicated around other people!
Wishing you freedom from fear,
Namaste,
Lina