How can I reduce the anxiety before I go out?
Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at
11:00 pm
I suffer from social anxiety, but it has got better in recent years, but I still get pretty worked up leading up to having to do something, like going out etc. Any advice on how to lessen it?
Filed under: Anxiety Attacks
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
I used to struggle a lot with taking the courage to go out - because of Anxiety (stupid thing, argh!) I’d always get invited to things, and despite feeling excited about them, my anxiety would kick in and I’d start regretting that I’d even agreed to go in the first place! Some things that worked for me were - 1. I wrote down all of the irrational, scary thoughts I had on a piece of paper, such as, "What if I pass out?" etc. I wrote them all down (and yes, it was uncomfortable doing so) but then I went through them all and wrote down reasons why each scary thought was completely irrational and untrue. For example, next to the "What if I pass out?" thought, I wrote "You’re not going to pass out. It’s never happened, so why would it happen now. It’s just the anxiety playing wiyh your mind Alice - you think you’re gonna pass out but it’s a completely false reality. You’re not going to." Stuff like that. That helped me heaps. I took the piece of paper with me, folded it up and put it in my jean pocket. Just having it made me feel heaps better because I knew that if I freaked out (which probs wouldn’t happen anyway, right?) I’d have this little piece of paper to remind me why I shouldn’t. All I can say is, it really worked for me.
I think that a lack of confidence is linked to anxiety. I suffer from anxiety myself and if I just had more confidence in myself, I’m sure I would not have anxiety. What always helps me feel better right before something I’m afraid of is about to happen is taking deep breaths. Then, I just keep thinking to myself "I can do this". Sounds ridiculous, but it helps. Especially the breathing. Just relax your body and take deep breaths. And take your mind off whatever’s bothering you. I know that I’m starting to improve just by doing this. And I hope it helps you.