Social anxiety: ways to alleviate it?

vorbis

I know the first thing would be to go to a doctor but it doesn't interfere with my life too much and I feel its not serious enough to be talking to a doctor about.

When I was younger I was really shy and had problems with self esteem. I had a very rocky relationship with my dad and I could never approach something new without getting really worried about it.

In the last few years, my self esteem has improved in some areas and my relationship with my parents is better. The shyness has decreased and I have a normal social life and have been going out with a girl for the last year.

The thing that I still have anxiety about is trying something new and being the center of attention. At times this can get really bad. I was giving a present to my sister over the weekend and I felt nervous about giving it to her in front of my family. I had absolutely no reason to feel worried but I get this irrational fear every time there's a chance that the spotlight will be on me. A similar thing happens on my birthday, the idea of asking people to come out for a few drinks can really bother me.

It is starting to impact more on my life atm as I plan to take up gaelic football out here to meet more people but worry myself silly that I won't be good enough to play it. Part of my brain says that if you're not good enough, so what? Another part is absolutely terrified about looking stupid in front of other people.

I'd appreciate any views as to how to lessen my anxiety. Thanks.

truecrippler

I was the same growing up. Even reading something out loud would have me sweating and getting embarrassed. I just learned to appreciate myself over time.

I'm 20 years old now and am fairly confident and I don't let what people say to me get me down. If they try to put you down, just ignore them. They obviously have some insecurities about themselves too.

Say hello to someone you see everyday or good morning. Look at a girl walking bye and see if she notices you. If she does it will make you feel better. Thats how I really got over my anxiousness. I just expressed myself more... even if I was embarrassed at first, I got over it.

LegacyUser

Practice. Seriously - the more you force yourself to do the things that cause you anxiety and you get through them fine, the less you'll worry about doing them.

There's also drugs and such you can go on, but I'd do them as last resort.

Overheal

Sunglasses worked for me, pretty much for the same reasons Truecrippler is pointing at. Except I had anxieties about eye contact. So walking down the street I'd try to make eye contact with anyone i walked past on the street (behind my sunglasses )