Let your loved one know that you’re there to listen. Hold back judgment or unwanted advice, and simply be an ear. It will help them to know that they can speak to you openly, and that it’s okay to be repetitive with fears or thoughts. Let them know that they can call or text you any time to talk.
Social Anxiety
Humans are social creatures and we don’t do well in isolation. Many of us have felt like prisoners in solitary confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. And many of us have been feeling our own mental anguish from this isolation.
With this in mind, here are some tips for coping with social isolation:
We’ve all got to remember that we’ve faced a big trauma this past year and we must be gentle with ourselves. Life will feel normal once again. Until then, do the best you can do and ask for help when you need it.
Ruminating on worries can cause lots of stress. Clear your mind by making a to-do list. Put down everything that needs to be done into your phone or onto a sheet of paper, and as you write them down, visualize yourself removing this task from your mind onto the list.
As soon as you feel the anxiety coming on, focus intently on your breathing and nothing else. Begin to take slow… deep breaths. Slow deep breaths send a signal to our body that we are not under attack and everything is okay.
The most common social phobia is giving a public presentation. Did you know that the number 1 fear of people all around the world is public speaking. More people are scared to get up in front of others and speak than they are to kick the bucket!