In today’s fast-paced world, change is constant and inevitable. The rise of technology, cultural shifts, and the impact of events such as the pandemic have all contributed to swift and significant changes. These changes affect many areas of our lives, from dating to social customs, work relationships, and beyond. As a result, anxiety has increased... Continue reading The post SOCIAL ANXIETY IN TIMES OF SOCIAL CHANGE: WHY IT’S MORE COMMON TODAY THAN EVER appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

Can you guess what concern these three individuals have in common? A 63 year-old man who is terrified about speaking at his daughter’s wedding. A 32-year-old woman who’s afraid of getting sick when she flies. A 26-year-old dental student who gets scared whenever his professors watch him doing procedures. Each one of them is afraid... Continue reading The post HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR SOCIAL ANXIETY WHEN BEING OBSERVED appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

The postpartum period is often marked by hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, and stress as parents navigate their new roles. For approximately 10% of parents (moms and dads alike!), this stress progresses into an anxiety disorder, with generalized anxiety disorder being the most commonly diagnosed followed by social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, very little research... [Continue reading] The post NAVIGATING THE WAVES OF POSTPARTUM SOCIAL ANXIETY appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

First dates can be nerve wracking for many people, whether or not they have social anxiety. People often have thoughts about whether the other person will like them, find them attractive, interesting or boring, and of course, will there be enough to talk about or a lot of awkward silences? After all, social anxiety is... [Continue reading] The post TIPS FOR DATING WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

Experiencing social anxiety in the midst of managing a chronic health condition can pose many challenges, particularly regarding developing and maintaining a strong social support system. Feelings of doubt and insecurity regarding one’s sense of belonging, acceptability and freedom to know and be known by others are often core features underlying social anxiety. These feelings... [Continue reading] The post SOCIAL ANXIETY AND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS: ENGAGING SOCIAL SUPPORT appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

“I don’t measure up.” “I’m different than others and don’t fit in.” “I’m socially inept / I’m bad at meeting people and making small talk.” “I come across as nervous and awkward, which others see as weird and weak.” “People find me uninteresting / unattractive.” “In order to be accepted and liked, I must always... [Continue reading] The post SHAME: THE OFT-NEGLECTED INGREDIENT IN SOCIAL ANXIETY appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

Many professionals, managers and executives with social anxiety hesitate to use the term “social anxiety” because they are high achievers and they feel shame associated with lacking confidence at work. Many times, they come in using the words “stress and anxiety” generically. However, when I probe on why they are anxious, it often comes back... [Continue reading] The post SOCIAL ANXIETY ON THE JOB: FEAR OF JUDGMENT IN THE WORKPLACE appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

Have you ever felt bogged down by worries, physical symptoms, fears, and avoidances? Do these things prevent you from living the life that you want to live? Do you end up feeling overwhelmed or defeated? Does it all feel as if it’s too much to bear? Are these things draining your motivation to work on... [Continue reading] The post DARE TO DREAM: USING AN OUTCOME PICTURE TO CONQUER YOUR SOCIAL ANXIETY appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

Acknowledging Uncertainty In the 1600’s, the famous French philosopher René Descartes set out on a journey in an effort to discover truth. The question he asked was: what can one know—with certainty—is real? At the end of this philosophical journey, he came to the conclusion that there was almost nothing in life of which he... [Continue reading] The post OVERCOMING SOCIAL ANXIETY BY EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more

Facial blushing: is it normal? Rosie checked into a hotel for a weekend getaway with her partner. The hotel receptionist noticed it was Rosie’s birthday and said, “Welcome to our hotel. I see it’s your birthday tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” The nearby receptionist added his birthday wishes as did the people behind her. Rosie sheepishly thanked... [Continue reading] The post THE SOCIAL ANXIETY OF BLUSHING appeared first on National Social Anxiety Center ..read more