Dealing with Social Anxiety: Tips and Tricks

i completely agree with animalnerd, especially on the breathing, i use that one as well!! i have spinner rings or some stretchy bracelets with beads, and when i’m anxious, i can spin those and fidget with them as much as i want, and it helps! i also excuse myself to the bathroom, etc., when i’m overwhelmed or overstimulated! it used to be hard to do and i didn’t want to make a scene, but recently i’ve started to not care whether i make a scene or not lol. and most of the time when you get used to doing it a lot, you can just slip away real quick, text the people you came with that you’re in the bathroom or something and not to worry if it takes you a while to come back out.

That did help and it helped a lot. Thank you!

I keep fidgets in my pocket, so that when I’m out in public, or in a social setting where I will inevitably become anxious, I can put my hands in my pockets and play with my fidgets. I don’t know if fidgets help you, but they’re definitely helpful for me. I also do 3-3-4 breathing. Breathe in thru your nose for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, and breathe out your mouth for 4 seconds. I had one time where I had to ask an employee for something, which sent me into an anxiety attack… when this happens, I am physically unable to speak. So I was able to communicate what I needed by typing it out on my notes app in my phone. These are things that have helped me… I hope this helps. 🙂