The festive season and social anxiety can feel like a recipe for disaster. While others are out celebrating, partying and having fun, you may find yourself having an increasing number of anxiety attacks, depressive thoughts and feel the need to hide. These are the typical symptoms of social anxiety.
If you find yourself missing out on festive fun and spending time with friends and family, then it’s time you look for social anxiety solutions.
Counselling, or talk therapy for social anxiety is seen to be the most effective way of handling this psychological issue. It can help you to feel confident and composed during Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.
Offering in-person and online therapy for social anxiety, I am here to support you through this tough time. As a registered counsellor and psychotherapist, I provide a safe space to discuss your emotional triggers and better manage your social anxiety so that you can enjoy your festive season without feeling sad and anxious.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety, or social phobia, is the fear of social situations. It is a long-term condition that usually starts manifesting during the teenage years. For some people, it gets better with age, while for others it continues to worsen over time, until they seek professional help. Social anxiety solutions and coping strategies come in many forms, but in this blog, we’ll be addressing how talk therapy can help.
Medications and self-help groups along with therapy are common treatment options for this psychological disorder and its symptoms.
When you suffer from social phobia, you feel shy and awkward and constantly assume that people are judging you. You over analyse social situations and constantly criticise your own behaviour, further aggravating your anxiety. You may be afraid of embarrassing yourself, meaning you avoid interacting with strangers.
Some common physical manifestations of social anxiety include voice trembling, shivers, involuntary blushing and sweaty palms.
How To Manage Social Anxiety During Christmas
Start With Therapy Before The Festivities Begin
Due to the abundance of stimuli and triggers during celebrations and social gatherings, your social anxiety may be at its worst during these times. Book a session for online therapy for social anxiety before the start of the festive season if you feel this way. This will help you better manage your emotions and be more present during parties and gatherings.
Have a Schedule
Many people with psychological issues often struggle when their routine is disturbed. Even if you have leave from university or work, create a daily schedule to stick to. This will help you feel more in control and keep you distracted from negative thoughts.
Learn to Say No
Constant partying and interacting with people can take a toll on anyone, but it can be even more adverse for those who suffer from social anxiety. If you find yourself overextended or have been invited to too many gatherings, then it’s okay to prioritise your mental health and decline a few. It’s best to attend parties with people you know, like and feel comfortable around. This can help you feel less anxious.
Have a Friend/Support System
If you are wondering how to work on social anxiety during the festive season, then try to have a support system around you by being honest with your friends and family about how you’re feeling. For instance, they may suggest arriving together, which can alleviate stress and concerns. Additionally, they can help you better manage your stress and anxiety, particularly if you are on the verge of an anxiety attack.
Don’t Overindulge With Drinks
Many people resort to alcohol to cope with social anxiety. While it’s okay to relax and celebrate by having a drink or two, it can also aggravate your stress. This can set back your progress in managing your social anxiety.
Be Kind to Yourself
It’s important to be kind and compassionate towards yourself. Constantly berating yourself for your shortcomings and condition can make you feel more drained.
How Does Online Therapy for Social Anxiety Work?
Talk therapy for social anxiety is an effective treatment option to consider, as it offers a more long-term solution and has no negative side effects. However, if you find yourself constantly delaying approaching a therapist, then online therapy for social anxiety may be for you. Here’s what you can expect from an online therapy session with Mark:
- Book a session on my booking page, or contact me.
- Sessions usually consist of a 50-minute Zoom call. It’s best to ensure you’ve got stable internet access and a quiet space where we won’t be interrupted.
- Prepare for the session by jotting down the goals and aims that you expect to achieve through our talk therapy.
When you choose an online session with me, you’ll get the same treatment you would experience in a one-to-one in person session. Depending on your situation, we’ll mutually agree on the number of sessions required. I will help you understand your triggers and offer coping strategies to beat anxiety during social gatherings.
Work With Mark Greenaway-Robbins To Better Cope With Social Anxiety
Seeking help for psychological conditions is the best way to resolve them. I offer you a safe and nonjudgmental space to discuss your innermost thoughts and inhibitions. If you are finding it difficult to travel to my office, we can connect online for your therapy for social anxiety sessions. It is as effective, if not more so, as people often find it easier to relax in their home environment rather than in a therapist’s space.
Through talk therapy for social anxiety, I will teach you different coping mechanisms and strategies that will help you better navigate social situations without feeling overwhelmed.
Fill in a form, call, text, or email me, and let’s have a conversation on how we can work together to effectively manage your social anxiety.
