Hi,

My boyfriend has similar social anxiety issues. Here are some things you can try:

Exposure Therapy. Starting with situations that are not too threatening, a therapist might arrange for you to practice surviving social encounters. Sometimes, a friend, relative, or other trusted person might be asked to observe what actually happens. For example, a social phobic may be convinced that everyone in the room will stare at a trembling hand. The observer can report that this doesn’t happen.

Diary. Keep a diary of your thoughts as you go through the day. Sometimes recording your thoughts and what you imagine other people may be saying at the time will help you develop a new perspective.

Scripting. You can prepare, in advance, a script or some responses to use when placed in an awkward situation – it will help make those situations less threatening.

Social Skills. You can take classes or receive specific training to help you overcome fears such as public speaking or making good eye contact. Ask your doctor about assertiveness training or learning positive body language.

Self Analysis. When in an awkward or threatening situation, find time to stop and analyze the situation and learn from that analysis. You may find that others were not really laughing at you or that the threat was not actual. You may, upon reflection, decide that the person you thought was staring at you may have been admiring your outfit or your smile.

Seek Professional Help. Too many people feel that seeking help from a psychiatrist or therapist is a sign of weakness or feel the “are crazy.” Having an anxiety disorder or a phobia is not a mental illness – to the contrary, these conditions are generally treated successfully. Just make sure that you find someone with whom you are comfortable.

Group Therapy. An alternative is Group Therapy, which has the advantage of generally being less expensive. There is also the benefit of having several other people who can offer one another help. In a group, you will typically find many who experience the exact same things as you and you can learn from them.