Social Anxiety Keeping You Home? 4 Tips To Help You Control Your Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety can interfere with every aspect of your daily life. That's why it's so important that you get a handle on the stressors that cause the anxiety attacks. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to do that, especially when there are so many seemingly minor things that can bring on a full-blown attack. Luckily, there are some steps you can take that will help you deal with anxiety in a way that will allow you to participate in normal daily activities. Here are four tips that will help you control your anxiety attacks so you can enjoy social interaction.

Pinpoint What You're Avoiding

Anxiety can be triggered by a need to avoid a particular activity. For instance, if you don't do well in crowds, the thought of going to a party might bring on a major attack. To overcome anxiety, it's important for you to pinpoint exactly what it is you're avoiding. Begin by writing down what it is you're anxious about. For instance, a large get-together or other type of social event. Now, focus on that particular issue.

Separate Your Avoidance into Trigger Points

Once you have written down the source of your anxiety, break it down into smaller parts. This will help you realize that there are many different parts to the actual trigger. Write down each component of the anxiety trigger. For instance, when it comes to a large get-together, you might fear conversation, being around people you don't know, or being vulnerable.

List the Trigger Points in Order from Least to Worst

After you have all of the individual trigger points written down, look at each of them. Take a moment to study each one, and see how it makes you feel. As you begin to notice that each one makes you feel more – or less – anxious, write them down in order from the lowest level of anxiety to the highest level of anxiety. This will help you recognize the parts of the event that cause you the greatest amount of anxiety.

Work Through Each Trigger Point

Once you've isolated the parts that cause you the greatest anxiety, you can work through them slowly. For instance, if eating in front of people you know causes you the greatest amount of anxiety, eat a light meal before you arrive at the get-together. If a meal will be served, arrange to arrive at the get-together after the meal is served. This will allow to enjoy social gatherings without subjecting yourself to the components that make you uncomfortable.

If you suffer from anxiety, it doesn't have to prevent you from enjoying social events. The tips provided here will help you maintain control of your anxiety. For assistance, talk to a professional like Trauma Counseling.