The holidays are a time for happiness and joy, but for many people, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you’re one of those people who tend to get overwhelmed by the holiday season, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
Social anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting up to 12% of the population. The holidays can be incredibly stressful for people with social anxiety because it’s a time that is focused on parties and family gatherings, and it’s also a time when there are more crowds than usual in public places. If you’re struggling to keep your head above water this holiday season, there are some things you can do to help ease your stress and anxiety and enjoy the season more.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to attend every holiday party
The holiday season is a busy time of year, and it can be easy to feel like you have to attend every party and get-together you’re invited to. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to say yes to everything. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and assess your commitments.
Choose the parties that you really want to go to, and politely decline the others. It’s also perfectly acceptable to leave early if you’re feeling overwhelmed. The most important thing is to create a holiday season that works for you and doesn’t leave you feeling stressed. So go ahead and RSVP no to that event you know will stress you out – your mental health will thank you for it. If you do choose to attend some gatherings, here are a few tips to make them more enjoyable.
Arrive fashionably early
If you go to a party, try to arrive early so you can scope out the situation and make a quick exit if needed. Parties can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a breeding ground for drama and conflict. If you’re not careful, you can quickly find yourself in the middle of an argument or stuck in a conversation with someone you’d rather avoid.
That’s why it’s often best to arrive early to a party. That way, you can take a look around and see if there are any potential problems. If you see someone you don’t get along with, or if the atmosphere seems tense, you can always make a quick exit. And if everything looks good, then you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Bring along a friend or family member who makes you feel comfortable
When you’re invited to a party, bringing along a friend or family member can be helpful. This can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the party- especially if you don’t know many people. However, choosing someone who will make you feel comfortable is important. For example, if you’re introverted, you might want to bring along someone who is extroverted and can help you break the ice and socialize. Ultimately, bringing along a supportive friend or family member can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the party.
Focus on talking to one person at a time
If you have social anxiety, parties can be daunting. There are so many people and so much noise it can be hard to know where to start. However, a way to make party-going more manageable is to focus on talking to one person at a time. This doesn’t mean ignoring everyone else in the room; simply choose one person to talk to for a little while and then move on to someone else. Not only will this help you to feel less overwhelmed, but it will also enable you to have more meaningful conversations. So next time you’re feeling anxious about a party, remember: take it one person at a time.
Don’t be afraid to step away from the group
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed at a party. If you start to feel like you need a break, don’t be afraid to step away from the group for a few minutes. Find a quiet spot where you can take a deep breath and relax. It’s also ok to say no if someone asks you to do something that you’re not comfortable with. Remember, you’re not obligated to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Parties should be fun, so make sure to do what feels right for you.
Take a break from social media and news outlets
One way to reduce holiday stress is to take a break from social media and news outlets. Too much exposure to negative news can make it difficult to enjoy the positive aspects of the season. In addition, seeing friends and family members post about their holiday plans can increase feelings of stress and anxiety. By disconnecting from social media and news outlets, you can focus on enjoying the holiday season without comparison or worry. So go ahead and unplug for a few days.
Know When to Seek Help for Social Anxiety
Most of the time, social anxiety can be managed, and it’s normal for many people to feel nervous or awkward in social situations- especially with people they’ve never met. But when the anxiety is all consuming and affecting your ability to function normally, it’s time to seek help.
Some signs that you should seek treatment for social anxiety include:
-Feeling very anxious or panicked in social situations, to the point where it’s difficult to breathe or think straight
-Staying away from social situations as much as possible to avoid feeling anxious
-Experiencing extreme fear or dread about socializing, even if it’s with people you know and trust
-Feeling like you’re constantly being judged by others
-Having a hard time making and keeping friends
-Trouble speaking up in group conversations
-Blushing, sweating, or trembling when you’re around other people
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a counselor or therapist near you who can help you manage your anxiety and get back to enjoying your life.
A social anxiety disorder can have long-term negative consequences for your mental and physical health if left untreated.
Treatment options for social anxiety
One of the most common treatments for social anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT can help you feel less anxious and more in control of your life. It can also teach you new strategies for behaving and reacting in social situations.
Another effective option is PrTMS. Studies of brain activity in people with social anxiety disorder and those without have shown a marked difference in the electrical activity in specific brain areas. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD can cause brain arrhythmias or disrupted brainwave function. PrTMS is a safe and noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses which help restore brainwaves to optimal function. As a result, your symptoms improve.
Mindset PrTMS by Serene Health is now available to help treat the symptoms of social anxiety, general anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and more. Serene Health also offers a wide variety of behavioral health and mental health services and appointments through our Telehealth app so that you can speak to a therapist online at a time that is convenient for you.
For more information about Mindset PrTMS by Serene Health or any of our other services, or to book an appointment, call 844-737-3638 or visit www.serenehealth.com.
