Suffering with Social Anxiety? Hypnotherapy in Ely and Newmarket

Social anxiety is something I suffered with for years before hypnotherapy helped me overcome my anxiety and enjoy being comfortable being myself.

I would constantly worry what others were thinking about me and worry about making an idiot of myself or doing something wrong. I would waste time and energy playing negative scenarios in my mind and criticising myself for not being good enough. I felt like there were two versions of me – the real me I could be when on my own and with others I knew well, and the anxious me who felt uncomfortable and would worry, stress and be unable to function around others.

Interviews, presentations and social occasions were an inner ordeal and sometimes my anxiety was so great I just wouldn’t do them.

I remember one time in an old job calling in sick just to avoid giving a 5 minute presentation. And of course whilst that removed the anxiety around the presentation itself, I spent many hours worrying about what they would think about me not being there and imagining them thinking negatively of me.

If you suffer with social anxiety some of this may feel familiar.

If you’re looking for support with social anxiety in Ely or Newmarket, you can find the main information page here: Social Anxiety Hypnotherapy in Ely & Newmarket

 

Quick Summary

Social anxiety can affect confidence, work, relationships and everyday situations.

Many people experience:

• fear of judgement
• overthinking conversations
• avoiding situations
• physical anxiety symptoms
• low confidence around others

This article shares part of my own experience with social anxiety and three practical ways to start changing the pattern.

You can also read real client experiences here: Hypnotherapy Reviews in Ely.

 

A Familiar Pattern

In my work as an anxiety therapist in Ely, one of the most common things I hear is:

“I know it sounds irrational, but I just can’t stop worrying what people think.”

Social anxiety often isn’t about lacking confidence or social skills. Many people are perfectly capable when they feel relaxed.

The difficulty is the anxiety pattern itself – the overthinking, self-monitoring and fear of judgement that takes over in certain situations.

 

Looking for Help With Social Anxiety?

If social anxiety has been affecting your confidence, relationships or enjoyment of life, support is available.

You can learn more here:

• Anxiety Hypnotherapy in Ely
• Social Anxiety Hypnotherapy in Ely & Newmarket

Or arrange a free consultation to discuss what might help.

 

Related Social Anxiety Articles

You may also find these helpful:

• What Social Anxiety Really Feels Like
• Why Social Anxiety Feels So Exhausting
• Social Anxiety and Self Criticism
• Why We Think People Notice Us More Than They Do
• Social Anxiety vs Low Confidence
• How to Stop Overthinking in Social Situations
• Anxiety and Worrying What Other People Think
• What is Social Phobia? Understanding Social Anxiety

You can also explore the Anxiety in Ely hub, which brings together articles covering social anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking and other common anxiety experiences.

 

Overcoming Social Anxiety

I know that you can smash through your social anxiety, however bad you think it is right now.

Here are three things that you can start to do that will immediately kick start you feeling happier, more confident and more comfortable being yourself and reduce your suffering with social anxiety:

1) Make time to relax and focus on what you want to happen. STOP worrying about all the things that could go wrong and what others may think – FLIP IT and start thinking how you do want things to go and looking forward to feeling more confident and in control.

2) Do at least one thing a day that takes you outside your comfort zone. However big or small: make it happen. It may be starting a conversation with someone you don’t know that well, picking up the phone instead of e-mailing or saying one thing in a meeting. Sure, you may feel a small rush of adrenaline but the positive payback will be ten times the payback.

3) Take action on the things you want to do BEFORE you feel 100% ready. There comes a time when all the analysis needs to end. If the thought of doing it excites you then commit to it and tell that doubting little voice in your head to get onside or shut up!

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that confidence didn’t arrive before I started taking action. Confidence grew as the anxiety reduced and as I stopped treating every social situation as a threat.

Social anxiety can feel overwhelming when you’re in the middle of it, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

And most importantly, know that whatever happens – YOU’LL BE OKAY.

Dan Regan

Anxiety Therapy and Hypnotherapy in Ely and Newmarket

 

Struggling with anxiety, stress, worry and fear and need some help? Find out how I can help with a Complimentary Hypnotherapy Strategy Session. Learn more here: Appointments

Find out what dozens of other people have said after their hypnotherapy sessions with Dan: Hypnotherapy Testimonials

And check out these powerful hypnosis downloads that can start helping you right away with anxiety, confidence and more: Hypnosis Downloads