How to Cope with Anxiety in Public

Do you feel anxious about going out in public? Are you unsure on what to do about your feelings of anxiety when you're out in public? To help learn how you can cope with feelings of anxiety out in public and what type of professional help is available, I have interviewed psychologist Lourens Crous, Psy.D.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco. I graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1998 with a doctorate in clinical psychology. In my practice I work primarily with adults and specialize in anxiety and mood disorders. I always strive to use interventions that have scientific data supporting its effectiveness. During the last few decades some very exciting and powerful therapeutic modalities were developed based on cutting edge research in the behavioral sciences. I use a cognitive behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapy approach in my work. This modality works particularly well with anxiety related difficulties."

What type of impact can feelings of anxiety have on someone who is out in public?
"Anxiety is a fear-based emotion triggered by the perception of a real or imaginary threat. As such it is a very uncomfortable feeling to experience, especially in a environment where someone may feel vulnerable, like out in public. All living organisms, including humans, naturally avoid the experience of discomfort. It's a basic survival mechanism. Therefore it is not uncommon for a person with anxiety in public to start avoiding places and people they associate with the discomfort. This can lead to social isolation, more anxiety and even depression."

How can someone cope with his or her anxiety out in public?
"Take deep calming breaths to signal to the body that there is no real threat, while noticing what thoughts are going through the mind in a non-reactive, non-judgmental way. This will be hard because when we experience anxiety, the mind instinctively attempts to protect us by worrying. This leads to more anxiety and can easily spiral into a feedback loop or trap. By observing what is going through your mind and labeling it as "worry thought", or "scary thought", a little space is created between you and the thought. This opens an opportunity to choose differently and focus attention on what is important and meaningful in that moment rather than on the worry thoughts. For example a person in a restaurant with anxiety my identify a worry thought and instead focus on being a supportive and attentive listener to the person they are with, thereby reducing the threat-signal, and decreasing anxiety."

What type of professional help is available for someone who is having a difficult time coping with his or her anxiety out in public?
"A psychologist, therapist or counselor with training and experience treating anxiety will be able to work with a person to help free them from their worry trap. Finding the right therapist is like shopping for shoes: it needs to be the right fit, and it needs to be the right shoe for the job. You won't buy dress shoes when you intend to go jogging; likewise you need to connect with a mental health professional with expertise in treating anxiety."

What last advice would you like to leave someone who is experiencing anxiety in public?
"Get treatment sooner rather than later. Fear diminishes us and the cost of anxiety can be huge if left unchecked. If you have certain unhelpful beliefs that are holding you back from taking action and seeking help, examine them honestly and re-connect with the part of you that wants to be healthy and free from anxiety. Empower yourself by taking committed action toward a richer and fuller life."

Thank you Dr. Crous for doing the interview on how someone can cope with anxiety out in public. For more information on Dr. Crous or his work you can check out his website on http://www.lcrous.com/.

Recommended Readings:
How to Deal with Dating Anxiety
Social Anxiety Disorder
Is Stress Keeping You Awake at Night