What is social anxiety?
What is social anxiety
Fear or anxiety about being judged, embarrassed, rejected, or watched by others
what is one common anxious thought is social situations
They are judging me,” “I sound stupid,” “I’ll embarrass myself,” or “Everyone is watching me.”
one grounding skill
5-4-3-2-1, deep breathing, naming objects in the room, feeling feet on the floor
What is a safety behavior
something we do to feel safer that may keep anxiety going.
Name one way to start a conversation.
Ask a question, give a compliment, comment on the situation, or say hello.
Name one place social anxiety might show up
School, work, stores, parties, phone calls, appointments, restaurants, group therapy, public speaking.
what is mind reading
Assuming you know what someone else is thinking without proof.
what is box breathing
Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4.
Name one safety behavior
Avoiding eye contact, rehearsing too much, staying on phone, hiding, leaving early, only talking to safe people.
What is one good follow-up question?
What was that like?” “How did that go?” “What do you like about it?”
True or false: Social anxiety is just being shy.
false. Shyness can be a personality trait, but social anxiety causes distress and avoidance.
What is catastrophizing?
Assuming the worst possible outcome will happen.
What is one coping skill you can use before entering a social situation?
Breathing, positive self-talk, planning a first sentence, grounding, listening to music, using a coping card.
How can safety behaviors keep anxiety strong?
They prevent us from learning that we can handle the situation without them.
What is active listening?
Showing someone you are listening through eye contact, nodding, reflecting, or asking questions.
two physical symptoms of social anxiety
Racing heart, sweating, shaking, nausea, blushing, tight chest, stomach pain, dizziness.
Change this thought into a more balanced one: “Everyone will think I’m weird.”
Some people may not notice me, and even if I seem nervous, that does not mean they think badly of me.”
What is a coping statement for social anxiety
“I can be nervous and still do this,” “I do not have to be perfect,” or “This feeling will pass.”
What is one safety behavior you could practice reducing?
Looking down less, putting phone away, speaking once in group, staying a few minutes longer.
What can you do if there is an awkward silence?
Take a breath, ask a simple question, comment on something around you, or remind yourself silence is normal.
Why can avoidance make social anxiety stronger over time?
Avoidance gives short-term relief but teaches the brain that social situations are dangerous.
Why are anxious thoughts not always facts?
Anxiety tries to protect us, but it can overestimate danger and underestimate our ability to cope.
Why is it helpful to practice coping skills when calm, not just when anxious?
Practice helps the skill feel more natural when anxiety is high.
What is the difference between a coping skill and a safety behavior?
a coping skill helps you stay present; a safety behavior helps you escape or avoid.
Why does focusing only on yourself make social anxiety worse?
It increases self-monitoring and makes it harder to connect with the other person.