For people who experience social anxiety and have felt humiliation during social events, there are various coping strategies that can help:
Recognize and accept the feelings: Acknowledge that feeling anxious or humiliated in social situations is a natural response for someone with social anxiety. Understand that everyone makes mistakes and has awkward moments in social interactions.
Challenge negative thoughts: Social anxiety often involves negative self-judgment and catastrophizing. Challenge these negative thoughts by questioning their validity and considering more balanced and realistic perspectives.
Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness exercises can help reduce anxiety during social events.
Gradual exposure: Gradually expose yourself to social situations that trigger anxiety. Start with less intimidating situations and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones.
Prepare for social events: If you know you'll be attending a social event, prepare ahead of time. Have some conversation topics in mind or practice small talk with friends or family.
Shift the focus outward: Instead of hyper-focusing on your own anxiety, try to shift your attention outward and focus on the people around you. Show genuine interest in what they are saying, and it can help distract you from your own anxiety.
Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your social anxiety. Having a supportive network can make a significant difference in coping with social anxiety.
Consider professional help: If social anxiety is significantly impacting your life and well-being, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in anxiety disorders.
Remember, overcoming social anxiety is a gradual process, and it's okay to take small steps at your own pace. With time, patience, and consistent effort, it is possible to improve your comfort level in social situations and reduce feelings of humiliation.