How to calm down around loads of people?

Hi!

This is definitely social anxiety disorder.

*  Intense worry for days or even weeks before an upcoming social situation.
* Extreme fear of being judged by others, especially people you don’t know.
* Excessive self-consciousness and anxiety in everyday social situations.
* Fear that you’ll act in ways that that will embarrass or humiliate yourself.
* Avoidance of social situations to a degree that limits your activities and causes disruptions to your daily life.

Here are some coping techniques:

*  Slow, shallow breathing.
* Consciously trying to heighten or exaggerate your anxiety or symptoms. Paradoxically, this usually has the effect of decreasing anxiety or its symptoms.
* Positive self-talk can reduce anxiety. It includes telling yourself that your symptoms and anxiety will diminish if you wait them out, and that other people in the room are probably anxious too.
* Breaking some of the tension by verbalizing your feelings in a humorous way (“Boy, I sure am a nervous wreck.”).
* Carrying supportive statements, such as “I’ve handled this before, and I can handle it now,” on index cards and looking at them when necessary.

Also, some medications can help with this.