Many of our readers ask the question of how to help someone with social anxiety. That’s why I wrote this post for providing actional methods to help sufferers overcome social anxiety.
You may provide the support your loved one needs and assist guide them toward a life that is better and more fulfilling with just a little bit of sincerity and empathy. When interacting with a friend who struggles with social anxiety, there are numerous things you may do to show your support.
Nevertheless, there are five essential guidelines to keep in mind. You will be more equipped to be a supportive friend by using these guidelines, which will allow you to help guide someone toward recovery.
👭5 ways to help someone with social anxiety
1. Be Patient
The process of getting treatment for social anxiety and recovering from it can be a lengthy one. It may take several months to break the routines of behavior that someone has developed.
Make an effort to avoid becoming very frustrated with them or losing your temper in their presence. You can demonstrate your support for them by providing mental health first aid when they experience an anxiety episode.
2. Pay Attention to How They Are Feeling
Anxious thoughts or ideas typically begin to manifest themselves in the body as physical sensations. It would be helpful if you first inquired as to what exactly they are concerned about. Stay calm when they convey their fear to you, regardless of how irrational their fears or the things that provoke their anxiety may seem to you.
These concerns are quite real and have a significant influence on their lives. They are not to be disregarded or deemed useless because they are unrealistic. Listen to these confessions of worry with an open mind and offer support rather than criticism.
3. Don't Be a Negative Neighbor
Do not suggest to someone that they should lighten up or increase the amount of conversation they have. Try to have compassion for the restrictions that social anxiety can have on their life, and don't expect more from them than they are able to provide.
Maintain your patience and hope that they will eventually get better as you continue to provide an environment that is supportive for them.
4. Facilitate a Reframing of Their Thinking
Because of their anxiousness, they may have a hard time gaining perspective on the various social situations they find themselves in. By posing questions like the following to them, you can encourage them to consider the wider picture:
What's the worst thing that could possibly occur?
What are some positive outcomes that could result from this situation?
When you reflect on this circumstance many years from now, what thoughts will run through your head?
5. Retain a Positive Attitude
Recovery is a process that takes time for someone who suffers from social anxiety. It is imperative that you acknowledge the milestones as well as the overall growth that they make. Give praise and encouragement for these less significant accomplishments. Tell them that you are proud of them for trying, even if they are not successful in doing what they set out to do.
How to help someone with social anxiety: Final words
I hope that with the 5 above ways, you are now able to help your friends or family members deal with social anxiety.
Can a blood test detect social anxiety?
A blood test for social anxiety disorder does not exist. Social anxiety manifests itself in a myriad of ways and frequently coexists with other medical disorders.
In order to properly diagnose anxiety, a thorough physical examination is required. This helps the doctor find additional illnesses that may be causing your friend’s symptoms or that may be hidden by the symptoms.
