Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Understanding and Overcoming Social Anxiety: Attachment, Exposure, and Confidence

Oct 7, 2024

Social anxiety isn't just shyness; it has deep roots in attachment styles and early experiences. The discussion highlights evidence-based strategies like exposure therapy and cognitive defusion to tackle anxiety. Listeners learn how to differentiate social anxiety from mere nervousness and are encouraged to practice self-compassion. Personal stories illustrate the journey from fear to resilience, emphasizing that embracing anxiety as a common experience can foster connection and healing.

01:26:15

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Quick takeaways

Social anxiety stems from a combination of early attachment styles and innate temperament, leading to heightened fear and avoidance in social situations.

Practical strategies like exposure therapy and mindfulness techniques are essential for gradually confronting and managing social anxiety effectively.

Cultivating self-compassion and reframing negative self-perceptions are crucial steps in reducing the impact of social anxiety on interpersonal connections.

Deep dives

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is characterized by a persistent fear of social interactions, often leading to feelings of dread, fear of rejection, and the assumption that one is being judged harshly by others. Unlike shyness or introversion, individuals with social anxiety genuinely desire connections but find their emotions hindered by overwhelming fears. This intensity of unease is not lawfully connected to the actual circumstances, resulting in a dissonance between their external environments and internal experiences. Furthermore, the vicious cycle of anxiety often leads to avoidance, reinforcing the anxiety since individuals miss opportunities to learn from varied social interactions.

Redefine Your Game to Succeed

01:23

Embrace Your Unique Strengths

01:22

Confidence is Not Just Competence

01:36

Feelings Forge Foundations

01:17

Intro

2min

Understanding Social Anxiety

22min

Navigating Social Anxiety: Isolation and Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies

4min

Exploring the Complexities of Social Anxiety and Comorbidity

4min

Conquering Social Anxiety

29min

Healing Through Emotional Awareness

9min

Understanding Social Anxiety

10min

Navigating Social Anxiety: Coping Strategies and Values-Based Thinking

6min

In this episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore the all-too-common challenge of social anxiety. They break down what it really means to be socially anxious (hint: it's not just being shy), where those feelings come from, and why they stick around. Rick explains the roots of social anxiety, highlighting the role of attachment styles and individual temperament, before Forrest shares how to locate yourself on a spectrum from everyday nervousness to Social Anxiety Disorder. They then discuss evidence-based approaches to working with social anxiety like exposure therapy, cognitive defusion, and mindfulness techniques. Whether you experience feelings of anxiety or are trying to understand a friend who does, this episode will help you feel more confident and connected.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

1:45: What is social anxiety?

7:10: Where does social anxiety come from?

13:40: Feeling worthy, and other social factors

17:00: Nature vs. nurture

24:15: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and comorbid diagnoses

29:50: Exposure therapy, and how to practice it safely

42:00: Positive reinforcement, and responding to ruminative thoughts

55:45: Widening our view, and taking in the good

1:03:15: Talking with younger parts, and self-compassion

1:10:15: Normalizing anxiety

1:11:35: Recap

I am now writing on Substack, check out my work there.

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Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Understanding and Overcoming Social Anxiety: Attachment, Exposure, and Confidence