How to Be Social when You Have Social Anxiety

Social anxiety affects about 40 million Americans. It is a serious condition that hinders one's social life greatly. Social anxiety leads to other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Those that suffer from social anxiety find it hard to progress in social settings such as the work place or school place and this can reap damaging affects on their personal status as perceived by others. Their coworkers might start to deem them as snobby and they will slowly become alienated from everyone in their workplace creating a very depressing atmosphere.

Social anxiety is an unhealthy state of mind but is not impossible to get out of. It will take time for a person with social anxiety to break out of their shell but taking small steps and making small changes in your life can prove beneficial to overcoming this condition. Below I have included some ways on how to overcome social anxiety in the workplace;

1. There will always be that one friendly coworker who will want to give you a ride and you may not want to take it but you should try accepting that ride once in awhile. Maybe accept it once or twice just so you won't appear too aloof and snobby and who knows maybe you will really need the ride one day. If the rides turn into daily occurrences you can make up a polite excuse such as you are trying to shed a few pounds and for that reason prefer to walk or that you like to clear your mind after work. Always be gracious and act respectfully.

2. Smile and introduce yourself at work. If you work in a large building then chances are you will not know everyone there. You should smile at everyone and on occasion greet and introduce yourself to those you do not know. First impressions are always important and it's best to give off the impression of being friendly and open as opposed to aloof and snobby.

3. Add an opinion in conversation or smile and pretend that you are listening during conversations at work. If you do not know what to say during the conversation then you can ask what are we talking about here? If you do not feel like joining in the conversation you should at least pretend to listen and nod your head occasionally and smile accordingly.

4. Attend job get-togethers at least once or twice. Most offices throw holiday parties and sometimes they throw fundraisers. Some coworkers may get together for dinner or drinks at the bar once in awhile. You may not be a social butterfly but you should get into the habit of attending these get-togethers once in awhile. Showing up may place you in the in crowd and will show others that you are friendly. They will view you as a familiar face and will be more prone to talk to you and maybe invite you to get-together to places outside of the office.

5. Make it a habit of asking people how they are and if the person replies not good, then you should offer you ear and chat with them for awhile if you can. If you see that they are really down offer them your number to talk some more or suggest talking over lunch. Sometimes we all just need someone to listen to what ails us and your presence can have a great affect on someone.

6. If you tend to flake out of office events do your part by pitching in. If you don't want to attend the holiday party at least pitch in a few bucks to purchase supplies or make a dessert. If you do not want to physically work the fundraiser try raising some money on your own and handing it to the fundraiser coordinator. Helping out from afar will show your coworkers that you care about the events.

7. If a fellow coworker asks you out for (platonic) lunch then accept that dinner. Who knows it might be fun.