Coping with Depression and Anxiety

Is Social anxiety affecting the quality of your life? Many people experience shyness and anxiousness when asked to do something in front of others. Sufferers of social anxiety disorder however have extreme fears of embarrassment in social situations and avoid them.

This is actually quite a common disorder which falls under the umbrella of anxiety disorders. In nearly all cases, social anxiety disorder is treatable using behavioral therapy. Other options such as medication has limited effectiveness at treating social phobia although it can relieve symptoms.

People with social anxiety can apply lots of self help methods to reduce their own anxieties and help them confront their fears. Relaxation and visualization techniques can be highly effective especially when practiced regularly. The subconscious part of the mind can be trained using visualizations and learn new behavior from doing so.

Imagination has more power over your emotions than most of us realize. You might feel anxious and scared just by thinking of something you fear. The subconscious mind learns both positive and negative emotions and behaviors in the same way. When a person experiences something over and over again the brain makes a stronger connection.

Many pro athletes visualize winning before an event. Pro golfers practice their swing in their minds before actually taking a swing. Every time strengthening their mental reflex and improving their game. By using the imagination you can change your behavior. The amazing thing is it can be used for practically anything including overcoming social anxiety in specific situations.

Let’s imagine that you have to give a presentation in a few days. On hearing this you start feeling immense dread and you begin to visualize being humiliated in front of everyone. You start to get anxiety symptoms like a tight chest, shaking and a racing heart. On the day you feel like a total wreck and the experience is one you’d rather forget.

In social situations the behavior and thoughts of social anxiety sufferers is self sabotaging. Practicing affirmations and visualization techniques can help you recondition the mind. In time with enough practice anyone can overcome their fears.

If it’s appropriate to do so use your imagination to boost your confidence right now. Sit down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed. Start to inhale and exhale slowly and deeply, and relax your muscles on each out breath. Imagine seeing yourself full of confidence and able to tackle any social situation. Think about how you would stand, talk and gesture. Imagine how others would respect and treat you.

In your mind take the new confident you into all areas of your life and see how great it would be to not suffer from Anxiety symptoms. Reframe negative thoughts in your head so that they help you in a positive way. Give yourself praise and motivating words. Imagine yourself standing in front of everyone at your next meeting and giving an amazing presentation. Notice that everyone at the meeting has your complete attention and are intently listening to your exuberant presentation.

Play this visualization over in your head a few times and then finally stir yourself out of deep relaxation. Did you feel good? You might even feel that you’re ready to give a presentation now. With regular practice you’ll feel less and less fearful. Remember that confidence is something that anyone can develop. What’s more, even when you feel anything but confident inside, project it on the outside. The more you practice the more you will improve.