Book Freak 174: How to Understand and Deal with Social Anxiety
Why social anxiety might be your hidden superpower
Get How to Deal with Social Anxiety
Ever felt like hiding out in the bathroom at a party? You’re not alone. Social anxiety is the third most common mental health issue in the world. But here’s the twist — according to Mita Mistry’s groundbreaking guide, the very traits that make you socially anxious might also be your greatest strengths. Through a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and practical strategies, Mistry reveals how those who struggle with social anxiety often possess exceptional qualities like deep empathy, careful consideration of others, and an ability to form meaningful connections once they overcome their initial fears.
Here are four key pieces of advice from the book:
Thoughts Are Not Facts
“Thoughts are not facts, and they are certainly not 100 percent accurate all of the time. It’s worth remembering that people with social anxiety overestimate the chances of terrible things happening if their worst-case scenarios or social fears were to come true.”
Change Your Self-Focus
“Research shows that people with social anxiety have heightened self-focus, which often leads to magnifying the worst-case scenario, second-guessing how others perceive them and misreading social situations… It’s a bit like a spotlight: you can either choose to focus it on troublesome thoughts or turn it outside to focus on a person or a conversation.”
Embrace Your Natural Gifts
“Being socially anxious is not all gloom. Socially anxious people have remarkable gifts which they often don’t see, and these gifts are needed in this world now more than ever… People who struggle with small talk are often great at deep diving into topics they’re passionate about. They’re empathetic, helpful and considerate of other people’s feelings.”
Practice Self-Compassion
“Self-compassion is especially important when you’re feeling inadequate. Compassionate self-talk builds resilience to handle social situations instead of dwelling on mistakes… Accepting that we all struggle helps us to feel less alone and show more compassion.”
12/13/24
