If you are trying to work out how to live with social anxiety then you are not alone - which sounds ironic in itself.
Around 10% of the population suffers with social phobia in some form, to some degree, which makes it one of the most common areas of interest in mental health.
It can be done - when public, visible, stars like Barbara Streisand can overcome the condition under such an intense spotlight then there is hope for everyone.
Different people will obviously find some strategies help more than others.
In the workplace, meetings, calls and group presentations can be unavoidable.
One plan you can take might seem counter intuitive, but it can help.
That is arrive early to meetings.
This has the effect of making you feel prepared and it can prove beneficial in terms of "warming you up" a little, or getting to know people a little before any formal introductions.
For social business occasions, again preparation can really help, in terms of doing some research and reading up on topics you can contribute to conversation.
Check out newspapers and Google trends and you will already have some topical ideas to work with.
The whole issue of forging successful personal relationships is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to how to live with social anxiety.
Finding that someone special is tough.
The best idea is to try and find methods of speaking to people with common interests.
There are community groups, volunteering projects, or even specialist bookshops.
Seeing someone take a book off the shelf you have read or are interested in might be a great way to start a conversation.
It can be a huge challenge to join a group or evening class, but sadly other people simply will not find you at home.
In the longer term of course, you should not really be looking to find ways as to how to live with social anxiety.
The most effective treatment is widely understood to be some form of therapy - live or online, to firstly handle and then address your fears.
Around 10% of the population suffers with social phobia in some form, to some degree, which makes it one of the most common areas of interest in mental health.
It can be done - when public, visible, stars like Barbara Streisand can overcome the condition under such an intense spotlight then there is hope for everyone.
Different people will obviously find some strategies help more than others.
In the workplace, meetings, calls and group presentations can be unavoidable.
One plan you can take might seem counter intuitive, but it can help.
That is arrive early to meetings.
This has the effect of making you feel prepared and it can prove beneficial in terms of "warming you up" a little, or getting to know people a little before any formal introductions.
For social business occasions, again preparation can really help, in terms of doing some research and reading up on topics you can contribute to conversation.
Check out newspapers and Google trends and you will already have some topical ideas to work with.
The whole issue of forging successful personal relationships is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to how to live with social anxiety.
Finding that someone special is tough.
The best idea is to try and find methods of speaking to people with common interests.
There are community groups, volunteering projects, or even specialist bookshops.
Seeing someone take a book off the shelf you have read or are interested in might be a great way to start a conversation.
It can be a huge challenge to join a group or evening class, but sadly other people simply will not find you at home.
In the longer term of course, you should not really be looking to find ways as to how to live with social anxiety.
The most effective treatment is widely understood to be some form of therapy - live or online, to firstly handle and then address your fears.