Social anxiety and social akwardness

[Rose23456]

Hi all i have social anxiety and can be really socially akward at times. I had an extended family gathering today and i said many socially awkward things. When my social anxiety is really strong and i feel overwhelmed by all the people around me, it causes me to act awkward and smile a lot. Anyone experience the same thing? How do you get over your social awkwardness and social anxiety? Also, how do you make real connections with other people when its difficult to be your natrual self because of social anxiety and the akwardness it causes? Also, who do you say hi to first when you walk into a room and everyone looks at you? I just made super quick eye contact with lots of people and said hi. It felt very overwhelming and awkward. Any advice on not being akward?

[Mrscroft98]

It’s very difficult. I don’t have any long term advice but honestly, a little Dutch courage never harmed me in situations where my anxiety was high. For example certain social situations or flying. A couple of alcoholic drinks and I’d find myself completely ease off and stop caring about anything. It’s not good to make a habit of it but if for example you’re going to a place where it’s safe to drink / people may be drinking, have a few before you go.

[Rose23456 in reply to Mrscroft98]

Thanks for your reply!

[designguy]

Hi Rose, there are therapists who specialize in treating social anxiety, you might try looking for one in your area. There are also online programs available, I used one from The Social Anxiety Institute.org to help in my recovery. I would have preferred to work with a specialist but there wasn't one in my area.

You have to be willing and committed to getting help and learning about it and new ways to cope and handle it. I use to experience everything you talk about for years. Learning that it was social anxiety propelled me to getting help and knowing I could recover. My S.A. rarely comes up anymore.