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Coping with Social Anxiety Disorder

Interested in learning how to cope with the effects of Social Anxiety Disorder? Looking for answers about how to get help for yourself or for loved ones? Read more to learn about coping strategies for SAD.
Practice Exposure Therapy for Paruresis
Paruresis, also known as shy bladder, can be improved through the use of self-help strategies for exposure. Learn more about how to enlist the help of a partner to gradually overcome your fear.
Relaxation Techniques for Managing Social Anxiety Disorder
Relaxation techniques can be helpful in coping with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Techniques, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, autogenic training (similar to meditation) and guided imagery, can be learned and practiced on your own or used as a part of a formal treatment program for SAD.
How to Practice Autogenic Training
Autogenic training is a form of relaxation training similar to the meditation that induces relaxation by influencing the autonomic nervous system. The technique involves a set of self-statements about the body and is used for reducing anxiety and improving other conditions.
How to Practice Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that focuses on visualization. By visualizing images of a serene and relaxing environment, the body, in turn, enters a relaxed state. Guided imagery is often used in combination with other relaxation techniques as part of treatment for anxiety disorders.
How to Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing
Deep breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, is the practice of inhaling using the diaphragm rather than taking shallow breaths in the chest. Learn how to use diaphragmatic breathing for reducing symptoms of anxiety.
How to Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a method of reducing anxiety through alternating tension and relaxation in the muscles. When practiced regularly and used in conjunction with behavioral therapy techniques, PMR can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Giving Compliments
The art of giving compliments can be learned, even if you suffer from social anxiety. Learn how giving compliments can help to reduce your anxiety, start conversations, and develop friendships.
How to Accept a Compliment
People who suffer with social anxiety disorder tend to respond poorly to compliments from others. Receiving compliments is an important skill and the steps to responding well to compliments are straightforward. Learn more about how to receive compliments well.
Anxiety and Athletic Performance: Strategies for Calming Game-Day Nerves
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) can be just as devastating during a tough athletic competition as in any other performance situation. Learn about strategies for managing anxiety during sporting events and what to do if anxiety is seriously interfering with your ability to compete.
Anxiety and Athletic Performance: The Basics
Many athletes experience anxiety when faced with athletic competitions. If not properly managed this anxiety may lead to more severe symptoms warranting a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. Learn how anxiety and athletic performance are related and how elite athletes protect themselves from game-day nerves.
Dating Anxiety: Where to Meet People
People who suffer with social anxiety disorder or who are excessively shy often remain single and tend not to date. Part of the problem stems from a lack of social contact and not knowing the best ways to meet new people. In this article, the best ways for shy and socially anxious people to meet potential romantic partners are discussed.
Dating Anxiety: Where to Go on a First Date
First dates are nerve-wracking even for the most socially confident among us. For those with social anxiety disorder, they can be downright distressing. Choosing first date activities carefully can turn a potential dating disaster into a potentially enjoyable evening.
Public Speaking Anxiety: Preparing to Give a Speech
Public speaking is a common fear among people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) as well as in the general population. One strategy for reducing speech anxiety is to prepare well before a speaking engagement. Here are some tips for making the most of your prep time.
Public Speaking Anxiety: Tips for the Big Day
If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD), public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience. Read more to learn about coping strategies that you use to help manage anxiety and put your best foot forward on the day of a big speech or presentation.
Tips for Managing Public Speaking Anxiety
Fear of public speaking is one of the most commonly reported social fears. For people with social anxiety disorder (SAD), the fear may be so intense that it interferes with daily living and affects career choices. If you are living with anxiety about speaking in public, there are strategies that you can use to help cope with your fear.
Coping With Social Anxiety During the Holidays
Do holiday parties and family gatherings fill you with anxiety? Are you feeling particularly lonely during the festive season? For people with social anxiety disorder (SAD), the holidays can be a stressful time of year. Here are some tips to help manage social anxiety during the holidays.
Developing Good Eye Contact
People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) often describe looking someone in the eyes as anxiety-provoking and uncomfortable. Still, good eye contact is one of the keys to successful social interaction. Use this quick tip to make sure that you are taking advantage of this useful social skill.
Becoming a Great Conversationalist
If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD), talking to others may be stressful. Having a great conversation with someone can be as simple as doing something together to stimulate conversation.
Self-Care for Family Members of Social Phobics
If you have a family member diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD), it can be hard to balance supporting your relative with taking time for yourself. Learn more about how to ensure that your own well-being is not compromised.
Helping a Friend or Family Member Diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder
If a close friend or family member has been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD), he or she will face many challenges. Learn what you do to be supportive and help your loved one through social anxiety disorder treatment and recovery.
Tips for Living With Social Anxiety Disorder
Living with Social Anxiety Disorder can be an ongoing challenge. Here are some tips to help you cope.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Tips for Getting Help
Learn about where to go for help and what to ask the mental health professional once you get there.
Coping Skills for Social Anxiety Disorder
From the non-profit Mayo Clinic website, this brief article discusses coping skills for living with Social Anxiety Disorder. Some of the tips include avoiding substances such alcohol and drugs, engaging in pleasurable activities such as exercise or hobbies, and eating a well-balanced diet.
When a Family Member Has an Anxiety Disorder
This article from the Freedom From Fear Web site contains a list of coping skills for family members of people with anxiety disorders. Some suggestions include discouraging avoidance behaviors, making time for yourself and the activities that you enjoy to avoid resentment, and encouraging your family member to seek out and follow through with therapy.
Help for Partners and Families
From the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, this article provides information for partners and families of people recently diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Included is a section about when and how to explain to your child that you have an anxiety disorder.

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