As the most common mental illness in the US, anxiety disorder affects an astounding 40 million adults. The mental health disorder is characterized by intense feelings of stress, fear, apprehension, tension, unease, anddiscomfort.

Initially, these feelings affect the mental and/or emotional state. However, anxiety can also take a physical toll on an individual, resulting in stomach pain, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, shaking, weakness, fatigue, nausea, or digestive issues, among a wide range of other symptoms.

As an anxious person, you may have trouble socializing with people. It’s important to note that anxiety is very different from shyness. Anxious people struggle with recurring intrusive thoughts, worries, and concerns that make it difficult for them to socialize. This mental/emotional state is very different from shyness.

In this blog, we’ll offer a closer look at how to socialize with people if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. Continue reading.

1. Identify Coping Mechanisms

If you suffer from anxiety, we strongly recommend understanding what causes you to feel anxious. There are several underlying factors that trigger people’s anxiety, and these factors vary from person to person. If you’re in a social setting, what sort of people, situations, or conversations trigger your anxiety?

Once you’ve identified these, introspect and understand why your body, mind, and emotions respond the way they do. This will help you identify coping mechanisms that work best for you.

For some people, the grounding method (also known as the 54321 method) works really well. Look around and try to find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This will help settle your mental and emotional state so you feel ready to socialize.

Recommended Read: Assuming Positive Intent to Get Over Social Anxiety

2. You Don’t Have to Do Things Solo

Many anxious people are unsettled by the thought of newness, flux, or unfamiliar situations/faces/events. Remember, you don’t have to do things solo. If you’re struggling to socialize with new people, approach them with a close friend who makes you feel more comfortable, relaxed, safe, and grounded. Simply put, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends and request help. It can make a big difference.

3. Treat Subconscious Anxiety with Hypnosis

Over the years, hypnosis has emerged as one of the most effective modalities of treatment for people with anxiety. As the person enters a hypnotic trance, the subconscious mind becomes highly receptive and open to suggestions. By consulting an experienced hypnotist, you can make long-term changes and notice significant improvements.

Recommended Read: Hypnosis: How It Can Help Eliminate Phobias and Anxiety

We’re here to help. Click here for a free consultation with Rekha. In addition to treating anxiety with hypnosis, Rekha also helps people with smoking cessation, weight loss, and codependency recovery, among other issues.