How to Deal with Social Anxiety at Work

How to Deal with Social Anxiety at Work

Are you someone who suffers from social anxiety at work? 

Do you feel like you're constantly anxious around other people, especially at work? 

If so, don't worry - you're not alone. Social anxiety is a very common problem, and it can make work-life extremely difficult.

However, there are things that you can do to ease your social anxiety and make working life much easier. 

Here are some tips on how to deal with social anxiety at work.

Anxiety Therapists in Colorado

Seth Boughton, SWC

Seth Boughton, SWC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Naomi Kettner, LPCC, NCC

Naomi Kettner, LPCC, NCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Katie (Kate) Castillo, MS, LPCC

Katie (Kate) Castillo, MS, LPCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Jenifer Seas, LCSW

Jenifer Seas, LCSW

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Heather Comensky, LPC

Heather Comensky, LPC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Lauren Day, SWC

Lauren Day, SWC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342
Katherine Fijman, LPCC, LACC

Katherine Fijman, LPCC, LACC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Laura Hunt, LPC

Laura Hunt, LPC

Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Sarah Munk, LPC

Sarah Munk, LPC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Susan Mullen, LPC

Susan Mullen, LPC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Michele Ames-Hodges, PsyD, LPC

Michele Ames-Hodges, PsyD, LPC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Chelsea Bruntmyer, MA, LPCC, NCC

Chelsea Bruntmyer, MA, LPCC, NCC

Colorado
(719) 696-3439
Sarah Lawler, LPCC

Sarah Lawler, LPCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 203-7021
Deb Corbitt, LPC

Deb Corbitt, LPC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424
​Randal Thomas, SWC

​Randal Thomas, SWC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342

Understand What Social Anxiety at Work is

For many people, the thought of going to work brings on a feeling of dread.

The idea of having to interact with others, give presentations, or simply be in close quarters with others can be overwhelming.

The good news is that there are ways to manage social anxiety and still succeed at work. Here are some tips:

  • Identify your triggers: What is it about work that makes you anxious? Is it the prospect of giving a presentation, or simply being around other people? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to address them.
  • Questions to ask yourself: Do you believe that everyone at work is judging you? Or that you're not good enough to do your job? These are common beliefs among those with social anxiety, but they're not true. Challenging your negative thoughts can help you to see the situation in a more realistic light.
  • Build up your confidence: One of the best ways to deal with social anxiety is to build up your confidence. This can be done by practicing some relaxation techniques or, in some cases, slowly experiencing anxious situations in a safe manner. You should consider talking to a professional for strategies for the right strategies for you.

FAQs

1) What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety is an intense feeling of worry or nervousness that occurs in social situations. 

It can be triggered by a number of things, such as giving a presentation or simply being around other people. 

For many people, social anxiety can make work-life extremely difficult.

2) What are some common symptoms of social anxiety?

Symptoms of social anxiety can vary from person to person, but they usually include feeling extremely anxious or nervous in social situations, avoiding social situations altogether, or feeling like you're constantly being judged by others.

3) What are some tips on how to deal with social anxiety at work?

There are a number of things that you can do to ease your social anxiety and make working life much easier.

Some tips include understanding what social anxiety at work is, identifying your triggers, challenging your negative thoughts, and building up your confidence.

4) I think I might have social anxiety. What should I do?

If you think that you might have social anxiety, it's important to talk to a professional.

They will be able to assess your symptoms and give you the best treatment options.

Practice Deep Breathing Exercises to Calm Yourself Down During Difficult Conversations

If you find yourself feeling anxious during a conversation, try to focus on your breathing.

Take deep, slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will help to calm you down and ease your anxiety.

You may also find it helpful to close your eyes for a few seconds and imagine yourself in a relaxing place.

Deep breathing exercises can help to ease your anxiety and make difficult conversations more manageable.

Find a Support Group at Work or Outside of Work That You Can Talk to When You're Feeling Anxious

There are often support groups available for people with social anxiety.

These groups can provide a safe space for you to talk about your anxiety and how it affects you.

You may also find it helpful to talk to someone outside of work, such as a therapist or counselor.

Talking to others who understand what you're going through can be a great way to find support and feel less alone.

Whenever Possible, Choose Work Tasks that Play to Your Strengths

One of the best ways to feel more confident at work is to choose tasks that play to your strengths.

  • If you know that you're good at writing, try to take on projects that involve writing.
  • If you're good at giving presentations, try to volunteer for tasks that involve presenting.
  • If you enjoy editing audio or video, try to find projects that involve those skills.

Doing work that you're good at can help to boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in the workplace.

Don't Be Afraid to Take Time Off if You're Feeling Overwhelmed by Anxiety

Taking some time off from work or school may seem like the last thing you want to do when you're feeling anxious, but it can actually be helpful in managing your symptoms.

When you're feeling overwhelmed, your body is under constant stress, which can lead to physical health problems like headaches, difficulty sleeping, and a weakened immune system.

Taking a break from your usual routine can give your body and mind a chance to relax and rejuvenate. It can also give you time to focus on healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to a therapist.

If you're feeling anxious, consider taking some time off to care for yourself.

Seek Professional Help if Your Social Anxiety is Starting to Interfere with Your Work Life in a Major Way

If you're struggling to cope with your social anxiety, it's important to talk to someone about it. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be extremely helpful, and they can give you some tools to deal with your anxiety.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to ease your social anxiety and make working life much easier.

Disclaimer

This is not medical advice, and if you are feeling extremely anxious or have any other mental health concerns, please seek professional help.

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Conclusion

Working with social anxiety can be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier. 

Talking to your boss about your anxiety, practicing deep breathing exercises, and finding a support group can all be helpful.

If your anxiety is starting to interfere with your work life in a major way, seek professional help. 

Following these tips can help you to ease your social anxiety and make working life much easier.

If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with social anxiety, please do so in the comments below.

Resources 

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/features/workplace-anxiety

https://www.verywellmind.com/social-anxiety-disorder-life-3024297

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September 27th, 2023

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