6 Expert Tips for Overcoming Social Anxiety with Emma McAdam
Jun 7, 2024
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Therapist Emma McAdam and psychologist Nick Wignall discuss overcoming social anxiety by redefining it as a functional response that fosters care, validating and accepting anxiety, using metaphors to understand anxiety, shifting focus to building confidence, overcoming fear in lead climbing, starting small to prioritize connection, and using assertiveness to manage anxiety.
Embracing social anxiety as part of human connection promotes self-acceptance.
Accepting fluctuations in social anxiety levels as normal can reduce stigma.
Challenging negative thoughts post-events helps break free from rumination cycle.
Deep dives
Reframing Social Anxiety as Caring and Connection
Social anxiety can serve as a motivator for caring about others and being considerate, reframing it as a normal emotion associated with human connection and care. Embracing anxiety as part of being connected to people allows for self-acceptance and reduces the pressure to eliminate these feelings.
Navigating Changes in Social Anxiety Levels
Social anxiety levels can fluctuate based on various life phases and situations, highlighting the importance of accepting these variations. It is normal to experience different levels of social anxiety and acknowledging these fluctuations can help in not overly pathologizing anxiety. By understanding these changes, individuals can approach social situations with a broader perspective.
Avoiding Rumination and Catastrophizing Thoughts
Rumination and catastrophizing thoughts post-social events can perpetuate social anxiety. Challenging negative self-evaluations and questioning the catastrophic outcomes can help individuals break free from the cycle of overthinking. Recognizing distorted thinking patterns and reframing them with more realistic perspectives can aid in reducing anxiety levels.
Redirecting Attention Outward to Combat Social Anxiety
Shifting attention outward from internal worries and self-focused concerns can aid in managing social anxiety. Instead of focusing on self-perceived flaws or anxieties, redirecting attention to others can foster genuine connections. Practicing mindfulness and cultivating curiosity about others can help individuals navigate social situations with less self-imposed pressure.
Overcoming Safety Behaviors to Build Confidence
Recognizing and avoiding safety behaviors that perpetuate anxiety is crucial to building confidence in social situations. Safety behaviors, such as seeking reassurance and positive self-talk, can hinder progress by promoting avoidance rather than tolerance of anxiety. Embracing exposure and response prevention techniques can help individuals navigate social anxiety effectively by prioritizing willingness to experience anxiety.
Psychologist Nick Wignall and therapist Emma McAdam share their favorite tips for overcoming social anxiety.
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⚒️ LINKS & RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE → Painfully Shy by Barbara and Gregory Markway https://www.amazon.com/Painfully-Shy-Overcome-Anxiety-Reclaim/dp/0312316232 → The Assertiveness Workbook by Randy Paterson https://www.amazon.com/Assertiveness-Workbook-Express-Yourself-Relationships/dp/1648480276/ → Emma's Anxiety Course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills → Nick's Anxiety Course: https://nickwignall.com/creating-calm/
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