How to be brave in social situations when you have social phobia?

In order to work on it, you have to step out of your comfort zone gradually. Taking baby steps is the way to go. Start with small situations, and work your way up when you’re ready. In the beginning, if you need support in trying, ask a friend or family member to go with you. Asking for support and trying small is brave, in my opinion.

When you go, keep reminding yourself that things will be okay. Try to drown out negative thoughts with opposite, positive ones. When I was really anxious in social settings, doing so usually helped me.

Anything I have a fear of, I like to jump right in with both feet. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I had a fear of heights and flying, well to break this limitation, I flew in a plane, and then jumped out. This cured me of both phobias, you could do the same with people and I do not think it is a fear of social situation, but a fear of what people think of you.

Make a list of social situations that scare you from lowest amount of fear to highest (for example, saying good morning to the postman/woman to giving a speech, something of the sort). Then work on the first one. Practice everyday for a week or so. Once you are comfortable, move onto the next situation. You may want to also practice breathing exercises while you’re at it. Do it for about 5 mins or so. You should feel a lot calmer. Pair with visualization for stronger effects. http://funadvice.com/r/14skh0m68qd

A good thing that worked for me was always getting somewhere early. Upon arrival the ladies room is a good place to start…touch up any make up or simply allow yourself to take a few breaths(like counting from 1-10 that is what I used to do before rehearsals!) if it is a gathering there is going to be food & beverages…make sure you have one…water preferably. When you feel like you have a lump in your throat, take a sip, inhale & exhale. If you feel like your face is on fire & about to explode, fine the nearest exit & get some fresh air. When you are feeling a bit more calm, remind yourself that you have already done the hard part so you can allow yourself to just be free to have a good time. Now that you see you are still ok after all of that, smile, take a deep breath & re enter the room again.

Just have a great time…try something small like looking at someone & merely saying hi…that is a way to get people to talk…no matter what the situation, keep smiling. :P

Hope this helped.