Have you ever walked into a room with a large group of people and felt anxious? Do you decline invitations to parties and work conferences or avoid talking to people you don’t know just because it makes you uncomfortable?
While it is normal to feel uneasy in certain situations, it’s important to recognize when you start to experience symptoms of social anxiety more frequently and especially if they disrupt your personal and professional relationships.
Why? By taking inventory of your emotions and learning healthy coping strategies, you can reduce your risk of abusing drugs, prescription medications or alcohol as a crutch. This is especially important if you are
just starting to live a sober lifestyle since individuals with anxiety disorders have a higher risk of substance abuse. But, the good news is that there are proven, healthy coping strategies you can use to take control of your life and avoid the dangerous path towards addiction or relapse.
If you do experience social anxiety, you can empower yourself in healthy ways by:
1. Using conscious breathing techniques. It’s common to experience a faster heart rate and start to breathe faster when you start to feel symptoms of anxiety and discomfort. Though, your breath is actually a powerful tool you can use to fight and calm your anxiety – and you can use anywhere!
If you are starting to feel anxious, focus on the rhythm of your inhale and exhale and start to take deeper breaths in and out. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold your breath for a second or two, then exhale slowly. After a few minutes, you’ll notice that your symptoms will start to recede.
2. Applying realistic thinking. If your mind starts to race with fears and doubts about how others will perceive you, take a moment to check yourself. Are these thoughts really based on facts?
3. Knowing that these feelings will pass. If you are experiencing social anxiety, it’s important to recognize that the moment will pass and that you will soon start to feel better. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the moment!
Southern CA Addiction Treatment for Men
If you or someone you love is dealing with a substance abuse issue that is compounded by a behavioral health issue like social anxiety, 10 Acre Ranch can help. Treating men 18 and over for alcoholism, drug addiction, and co-occurring disorders, we provide millennials with the education and support they need to transform their lifestyles and find strength in sobriety.
Dial (877) 228-4679 to enroll in our residential rehab or verify insurance coverage today!
