Tips & Resource to help with Social Anxiety
Suffering from Social Anxiety or want to learn more about it? This is a collection of websites and tools that can help you.
5/8/20242 min read
Recognize Social Anxiety
Ever felt super nervous about talking in class or even just hanging out with friends? That shaky feeling like everyone’s watching you or judging you? That could be social anxiety. It’s when social situations make you feel really anxious, like your heart is racing, or you want to disappear. It’s totally normal to feel shy sometimes, but if this happens a lot and gets in the way of doing stuff you like, it might be more than just shyness.
Here’s how to know if what you’re feeling could be social anxiety:
You feel super nervous or scared about being judged when you’re around people.
You worry a lot before social events, like parties or even school presentations.
You avoid hanging out with friends or talking in class because it makes you feel stressed.
Your heart races, you sweat, or your stomach feels like it’s in knots when you have to be social.
You overthink what people might think about you or replay awkward moments in your head over and over.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. So many people go through this, but there are ways to manage it!
5 Tips for Instant Relief When Social Anxiety Hits
Breathe In, Breathe Out: It might sound simple, but deep breathing can actually calm you down. Try breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and breathing out for 4 seconds. It’s called “box breathing” and it helps slow your heart rate.
Focus on Something Around You: Pick something in the room to focus on—like a poster, a plant, or even your shoes. Describe it in your head (its color, shape, texture). This can help pull your mind away from anxious thoughts.
Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself that people aren’t judging you as much as you think. Most of the time, others are too focused on themselves to notice what you’re worried about. Tell yourself, “I’ve got this” or “It’s okay to be nervous.”
Move a Little: If you can, take a short walk or stretch. Moving your body helps release some of the nervous energy that builds up when you’re feeling anxious. Even if it’s just standing up and shaking out your hands, it can make a difference.
Text or Call a Friend: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust. Even just a quick message saying, “Hey, I’m feeling nervous right now,” can make you feel less alone.
Want to Learn More? Here Are Some Helpful Resources!
If you’re dealing with social anxiety, don’t worry—there’s a lot of help out there! Here are some websites and resources where you can find more tips and support:
Website "Teen Mental Health": – A great resource for understanding all kinds of mental health challenges, including social anxiety.
App: "MindShift CBT": This free app is like having a little coach in your pocket, with tools for managing anxiety and boosting your confidence. You can download it ion your phone (Android or iOS)
Blog on how to overcome social anxiety: The website "Calm" is a websit that has paid and free resources to help with mental health issues, including social anxiety.
YouTube Channels like “Psych2Go” – They’ve got tons of videos breaking down what anxiety is and how to cope with it in a way that’s easy to understand.