Help for social anxiety

[On-the-road-now]

I think I have social anxiety. In my mind, I usually think social interactions will turn out to be a disaster and I will mess things up and everything will go wrong. I also tend to think like everyone is judgemental and unforgiving. It may not be true, but it seems like reality. I feel isolated, lonely, and depressed. I have a good job and make good money, so some other things in life are going ok. But I haven't been able to find a solution for my social anxiety issues for a really long time and I hate it. I've been trying Cognitive therapy for a while but that is only helping so much. Any ideas?

[Rizo1]

I'm sorry you suffer fom this. I get it too. Seems worse now Im older for some reason. I get to nervous to interact with others. Always worried I'll say the wrong thing. Or cant think of the right things to say. I used to be better at it. But out of practice a bit. I think I'm a bit listener then talker. But I've always tried to be interested in other people . Asking about their interests I hope it improves for you.

[TangledUpIn in reply to Rizo1]

I do the same as you Rizo1, I always ask how people's days are going. And while they're answering I can get more comfortable. The point is to involve the other party as soon as possible.

[OnTheLoneHill]

I am not sure if you would be comfortable with this, but what about practicing to normalize casual conversation? For example, you might ask a close friend or relative to help you act out a mock conversation with a stranger, just to get used to interacting in a low-stakes way.

[On-the-road-now in reply to OnTheLoneHill]

I'll think about doing that. Not sure if I know anyone that I would feel comfortable doing that with... 🤔. Thanks for the suggestion though

[TangledUpIn in reply to OnTheLoneHill]

...and if you can't practice with a friend or relative, the quickest thing to do in a social situation is to get the other person talking by asking open ended questions.🤓