7 Techniques to Overcome Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. In this video I share 7 techniques that will help you overcome social anxiety and stop isolating and avoiding social engagements.
It's reported that 12% of the population shares this challenge of feeling socially anxious. If you have experienced social anxiety, you know this can be debilitating, but it does not have to hold you back in life.
Would you believe that I, also, have had social anxiety for as long as I can remember? In this video I will share with you the very same techniques I practice to fight against social anxiety so that it does not prevent me from living my best life, meeting new people and making strong emotional connections with people I love.
#PaigePradko, #SocialAnxiety, #CalmSeriesforAnxiety, #sociallyawkward, #HelpforSocialanxiety, #sociallyawkward, #howtocuresocialanxiety, #exposureforsocialanxiety, #therapistforsocialanxiety, #sociallyanxious, #sociallyuncomfortable, #socialphobia, #anxietytherapist, #therapyforsocialanxiety
If you would like more information on how to encourage yourself to engage socially and work through your social anxiety, you might like my latest video here:
• 7 More MUST-DO Tips fo...
If you find yourself struggling with general anxiety, try to watch this series on fighting anxiety -- • Playlist
Please feel free to follow me at the social media sites below:
/ paigepradkotherapy
/ paige.pradko.therapy
/ paigepradko
www.paigepradko.com/
I would love to hear your comments and questions below. If you would like your question considered on an upcoming Q & A video, please let me know. Thank you for helping me spread mental health help and education.
Until next time...I will see you in session,
Paige

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼For more therapy resources: www.paigepradko.com/resources 👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼Free PDF: Why Do I Feel That in my Body? Explanations of Bodily Symptoms Due to Anxiety, Stress & Panic www.paigepradko.com/bodyanxiety 👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼Free PDF: What to do when High Anxiety & Panic Strikes: FACE Fear paigepradko.com/facefear 👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼 Signup for weekly newsletter for more therapy resources: www.paigepradko.com

[@kimaguirre3560]

Sometimes I just feel like I'm gonna burst and cry from overthinking. Hope I could overcome this. It's really stressing me out 😓

[@robelgetnet4021]

Ahhh...same here sis...we will get through this.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I can relate....believe me. The problem is our thoughts are not “the truth”...our thoughts get so distorted. When you are feeling down, try for a moment to do a mindfulness exercise. Ask yourself a few questions. Where am I? What do I see around me? What do I hear? How many layers of sound can I hear? Can I feel the sensation of my breathing? Can I feel the sensation of energy in my hands? Can I experience this moment that I am living and separate myself from my thoughts? How is this moment...right now? Can I have compassion for myself as a human being that wants to love and be loved? You can observe your thoughts coming and going without identifying with your thoughts as truths. I hope that you can have compassion for yourself today. ❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Robel Joseph, you are so kind.

[@robelgetnet4021]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you so much 😊

[@kimaguirre3560]

thanks guys! after this I've challenged myself to interact more so that I could overcome my fear of talking or merely replying to others. started small by joining groups in social media and actually posting and replying to them. took some time to reply actually since I'm pretty nervous 😬😄 after the quarantine is lifted I'll try to step up by interacting personally to other people. 😊 stay safe!

[@yashmathur836]

It feels like when ever somebody critics me even in the smallest ways it hurts a lot cause its agreeing with the negativity in head. Its like that voice just will never come out and is always there

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I know that voice, because I have it too. We have to create another voice that supports us and calms us and encourages us. Tell that inner critic voice to quiet down because it is not helping you. It might help you to know that we all have that inner critic voice inside of us. We can talk to it and mold it and ask it to be more supportive of us. Thank you for sharing.

[@teroyselfhelpjourney3661]

I also have that voice. I believe most people do. You don’t have to listen. You can just let it be there and take action anyway

[@blackdressy2872]

Yash Mathur omg yes, I understand you

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

Life is already hard and with social anxiety, it's 10x harder.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, it is. I hope you can have some compassion for yourself❤️

[@feelingsdecoded]

Social anxiety is basically the fear of being judged and not good enough. Your techniques are really helpful. Thanks for the great content.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. I appreciate it. 😊

[@teroyselfhelpjourney3661]

Yup. Undoing the anxiety involves releasing the trauma and exposing yourself to more social situations to teach your brain how to handle them.

[@tontonmc8836]

I’ve been in Quarantine for like 4 months and I feel like I have social anxiety now 🤦‍♂️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I think you are right...the pandemic caused avoidance of others, and this can cause anxiety in us as we move out into society again.

[@TonyaA7]

And maybe fear of being rejected and misunderstood

[@hellodudeshi7965]

I honestly don’t remember when I started getting depressed and having social anxiety becuase I use to be such a bright person 😔

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are still a bright person and so many of us share in this experience. The great news is that we can improve our social skills and experience with practice. 😊

[@eileen66]

You still are a bright person. Social anxiety and depression is something you have but it doesn’t define you.

[@r.haziri5978]

when im having a conversation with people and look them in the eyes i will turn red cause when i see them staring at me i feel like i look bad or something

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, this is difficult. Many people with social anxiety have face flushing and sweating. Our brains associate social encounters with shame and embarrassment because we are imaging things that others are thinking. In the video, I talk about assuming people like you. This is actually true...and you can even ask them if you don’t believe me. People tend to want to like people they meet, unless the person is hurting them in some way. Social exposures or challenges will help you with this body reaction. But, you have to fully welcome the face flushing....allow it to be there if it wants. As soon as you fully allow and accept the face flushing and are not humiliated by it, the body response will stop, because you are no longer activating the fear center of your brain. Keep practicing and challenging yourself.

[@mikenordstrom7791]

Paige Pradko how do I get myself to stop fearing my face getting red

[@Sophiecraw1]

Yess

[@user-sy7wu5tq8z]

Luckily my skin is dark so I don't have this fear hahaha

[@qyburn6749]

Same :( i hate my life because i have social anxiety . :(

[@shawnmendesfan9993]

I started crying at the end. It’s so hard it’s so difficult and nobody understands. I always beat myself up about it and you’re right I need to be less hard on myself. Thank you.

[@ash_luscious]

Hi I'm making group chat for people like me who have social anxiety it would be cool if you could join

[@JaimeLopez-zr3sv]

1. Change social mission Instead of “I want people to feel good about me” you might choose “I want others to feel good about themselves” Focus on others, not yourself 2. Assume people like or love you You will act more confident if you assume others really like you or love you. 3. Use self-disclosure If you meet someone for the first time you can share “I have social anxiety but I’m working on it” 4. Give yourself a job Get a job to focus on Ex. Take coats Welcome people Carry around snacks Offer help to someone setting something up Will help you feel like you belong 5. Set a challenge Ex. Find out something new about 2 new people Stay curious, others love to talk about themselves. “Tell me about yourself” Listen and ask follow ups 6. Stay out of your own head Keep focus on others to silence inner critic 7. Don’t let ruminations start Assure yourself Praised yourself “I did my job” “I went to the event” “I did it even thought it was uncomfortable”

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I love your summary!

[@Atiurrahman27]

You are awesome 😍😍😍 Thanks so much for writing all the points, i was just thinking of writing all down for reminder

[@ash_luscious]

Hi I'm making a group chat for people with social anxiety would you like to join?

[@alybassam5318]

I found out that I have social anxiety from several months ago, I didn't know that such thing exist. I always been lonely, afraid to engage with people and making out new friends. Whenever I talk to new people I panic and almost lose my voice. My anxiety is not restricted to face to face encounter, it's even whenever I wanna call somebody, I write down on a paper whatever I wanna say so that I pick my words carefully. whenever people around, I'm scared of not being accepted, I feel that I don't deserve to be with them. I'm 24 years old now, I graduated as a Geomatic Engineer and always been on the dean's honor list, my studies wasn't hard as much as encountering new instructors and colleagues. I know that I'm smart but my anxiety won't help me find a job, I'm scared of being interviewed. I really need help but no one listens :'( Thank you for your video, I saw caring in your eyes. I hope someday I overcome this disease and talk about it just like you, thank you again.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are not alone. Please take on the attitude that you can improve your social skills and you can challenge yourself daily to do so. You may like the book, Conversationally Speaking by Alan Garner. I wish you the best.

[@monsieur.Chipmunk]

I get anxious even just talking to siri

[@Shhehwhsi24]

whenever i read a awkward thing online i hide inside my shirt

[@albinocake]

same

[@adt4025]

Yeah. I don’t do that voice activation stuff.

[@ashleyelizabeth1173]

🤣

[@yasminessam6899]

I remember being carefree as a child it's just when my mother started criticizing me that i have become socially anxious

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That can certainly do it. I hope you can give yourself reassuring thoughts that you are worthy of love and belonging.

[@yasminessam6899]

Paige Pradko LPC NCC thank you so much for your helpful advice !

[@Hitomimatoba]

I get you! for me, it was my teachers in k-12 constantly telling me to stop talking (lol I know it's their job and there's a time and place to be social but I think they could've approached me differently about it) but hey the first step in healing is acknowledging! best of luck to you and your social endeavors. (:

[@joannamonique707]

Me too. My mom hated me as a kid. I was too sensitive, too needy, too hyper...too much of a damn kid I guess. She would put me down all the time. I'm finally realizing a lot of my problems started there and I've become so angry with her not caring that I'm not even speaking to her at the moment. Which is just another thing that makes me unhappy. Ugh lol

[@yasminessam6899]

@@joannamonique707 my family was very very poor so i can understand the stress she had raising me and my sister god bless her

[@alternativebat8251]

I really want to overcome this because I want to get a job and actually start living. I always sweat so much, I usually am near fainting and I have these feverish states where I am flushed and feel like there is no air to breath around me. I always make big scenes and get panick attacks when my family forces me to go out at least to buy groceries or something. What I hate is the looks and stares I get and when I have it in my head that they are looking at me I start to walk really wierd and I just feel my feet get heavy and I have to stop to breathe and calm myself down. It's really bad and I have isolated myself from everyone expect my family for a year now.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Social anxiety is painful and I am sorry for the way you have been feeling about yourself. Unfortunately, the more you isolate, the worse this anxiety disorder gets. The opposite is also true....the more social challenges and exposures you engage in, the more your anxiety decreases and your social confidence increases. My advice is to fully accept what ever sweating happens. People are not actually noticing things like sweating that you think they are noticing. Commit to daily social exposures and welcome the sweating and anxiety to come along if they want to. Stay focused on other people and stay out of your own head about what you think others are thinking. It takes commitment and practice. I wish you the best.

[@Talloo10]

I have also this problem but if you are single it is not good for you so look for someone who can chatt and sing with you and also run together maybe it will help you and iam single live in Germany if there is girl who has this, she can contact me

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy But I everytime I had a social exposures, it's most embarrassing, humiliating, awkward and worst moments of my life. I don't know if I can continue it's anymore.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

All of us that struggle with social anxiety have a deep yearning to connect with people. We highly value connecting with people, otherwise we would not have social anxiety. Knowing I value connecting with others has helped me through the most difficult social situations. I just keep in mind that I can tolerate all of the uncomfortable feelings or embarrassment or sweating or trembling....all because I value connecting with people. Stay focused on the value and it will help you through.

[@britaz44]

Stare them back... years ago.. I couldn’t even cross the street because k felt all those drivers were staring at me. Guess what they are all on the phone waiting for the red light. They don’t have to care about us .. strangers..

[@danistheguy]

did anyone else startle at the teepee appearing lol

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Someone else mentioned that too. 😂

[@LTWBP_]

LOL omg I did too, I thought it was just me😂🤣

[@AmyInArizona]

Yes, startled me that I screamed and I couldn’t figure out what it was at first, it looked like a monster head at first. My poor heart 😳

[@TomPearce-vz7pb]

I’m 74 and I have suffered social anxiety my entire life and until a week ago didn’t know what it was. It has held me back on so many levels, I have been depressed as to how to get out of it and until I saw this video I thought there was no way out. I meditate regularly and with these techniques I may be able to improve my situation. Thank you for having the strength to get past your issues and pass on your experiences!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for your comment, Tom. I am sorry that you have suffered with this too. I think what possibly helps me the most is holding the thought that if I value an activity, then I am willing to tolerate any discomfort I feel. For example, if I value connections and friendships, then I am willing to endure and tolerate social functions. If I value family, I am willing to tolerate discomfort at those functions. I have built up my tolerance muscles over the years. I wish you the best.🙏❤️

[@Lemoncare]

You got this. I believe in you.

[@KaveskiSuzuki]

"What is there not to love, right?" This sentence is really... I don't know how to say but it touched me. Thank you

[@hypercube8792]

Just want to tell you all - it CAN get better! I used to hide in my undergrad dorm room so terrified that I didn’t want to use the bathroom. I won’t say my SA ever completely went away but going to therapy, taking medication, meditation, and forcing myself to go to events I didn’t want to have all slowly helped. And I’m still working in it. Paige’s first technique is especially useful to me. Being interested in the other person instead of thinking what they think of me, takes me out of those damaging thoughts. Grounding myself by noticing what I physically touch, see, hear, and smell also really helps. Change doesn’t happen over night but every small step you take gets you closer. Good luck everyone. I wish you all the best in your journey ❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

What an inspiring message. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️🙏

[@kammuiwan6701]

Damn gj man, gives me hope that I can bury all those negative thoughts away forever and go about my life

[@teroyselfhelpjourney3661]

The thing I love about this video is that you talk about changing your mindset toward social situations. This rewires the brain by replacing self defeating thoughts with more positive and supportive thoughts. Changing your mindset and actually applying it in social situations over and over again can make a HUGE difference over time.

[@don-tay3963]

how do you change your mind set though

[@meeksw455]

@@don-tay3963 by cancelling the negative thoughts when they come an think positive

[@airuhnvidamo3418]

This is the best and the most wonderful thing I have seen today. I have been suffering from SAD for a long time and has always isolated myself from others. I’ve been unemployed for many years as well, due to the crippling feeling of this anxiety. I just got employed this day and will start to work tomorrow, the pressure is too much knowing that I’ll be facing new people again. But you and the other people in the comment section made me realize that I’m not alone and encourages me to live a colourful life. Thank you! I appreciate this so much. I just subscribed :)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

We are all behind you as you begin your new job. Do not think of having to avoid anxiety...think more about tolerating the anxiety of being back around people. It will get better every day. Give us all in update in 2 weeks about how you are doing.

[@zuzanazila]

Good luck, let us know how you are doing!

[@SeekTheLoveOfChrist]

Reading these comments, it makes me feel better to know that I am not alone. I would feel so awkward and sometimes get really negative because of my social anxiety. I appreciate these videos and will try these techniques! Thank you Paige!

[@thefriendsentfromabove]

Thank you for the tips, ma'am! Always had this intense negative feeling and almost panic about social interactions and never thought it could be this anxiety condition. I hope I overcome this one day! Great video and I wish you the best!!

[@Melycast3]

You have such a calmed personality. Your voice made me feel good. Thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you ☺️

[@willowpopstar]

This is great, thank you so much. I'm going to use this on Friday for my speech class.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That is awesome! I am so glad you watched...I just posted this video today. You’ve got this!

[@anamulipola214]

Thank you - this was very straightforward and practical advice delivered with empathy.

[@zuzanazila]

Thank you, this is so good. We have a daughter that needs all that. You formulated what she need to hear.

[@shaysmith94ify]

Thank you for making this heard! And making this normal, people shouldn’t have to suffer in silence 🤍🤍

[@AZ-od6uu]

i keep coming back to this video all the time and it helps! i was diagnosed with anxiety disorder a year ago and they told me that you can’t really “get rid of it”, so i needed a way to cope with it and this really helped me a bit. I remember how bad my anxiety was, my legs where shaking and sweating when i talked to other people and i remember i used to have panic attacks a lot. thanks you!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That makes me feel great that you find the video helpful. Social anxiety is something that we have to keep working on. What helps me is to remind myself that I really value connecting with people. If I didn’t value connecting with others so much, I wouldn’t have anxiety. Just following my value of connecting helps me tolerate what ever uncomfortable feelings might arise. 😊

[@trisha1217]

Thank you I’m going to try these tips! It feels good to know I’m not alone & there is people who’ve overcame it

[@angelinahomem-serpa3814]

This was really heartwarming for me, you seem like such a welcoming person, thank you so much for this, it really helped :)

[@Jonathanmentor]

I really appreciate your honesty, when you said you have always had social anxiety and you're a therapist. In my experience as someone who has always had social anxiety and is also a Teacher/Confidence Coach/ being open and honest about it really does help you and others around you. Exposure Therapy is the best method I have found to get control over my social anxiety and to helps others to do the same. You're doing a Great! service thanks for your advice I enjoyed listening to you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thanks Johnny. I am a firm believer in exposure therapy. I am happy to hear from another coach. Wishing you well.

[@ajinkyapatil6652]

I never thought this way through out my life. Thanks a lot.. helpful video again 🙏

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for your comment. I love hearing what you think.

[@adriaallen2878]

Thank you, I really needed this today :)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Glad I could help!

[@nelgameel4279]

Thank you so much. That was really helpful. Sending love

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome. I am glad it was helpful.

[@karislee7864]

One of - if not the best and most resourceful - videos on social anxiety I've seen! Your pointers are super reasonable, straightforward, appropriate, and encouraging. Thank you!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much for such positive feedback. I just worked on a Q & A video on social anxiety today. I hope you catch it when it comes out in a few weeks. I answer questions about excessive sweating and not being able to think of what to say. Thanks again.

[@dianna121]

What a humble and honest video! Great ideas. Thank you 😊

[@vthekingv]

Great video paige, really appreciated the topics and tips you gave out. Nice too see how someone else dealt with these problems in their journey, and cant wait to implement them in mine.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you ☺️

[@Mar-rx5rl]

Im so thankful i found about these things, i feel like its gonna be really good to learn how to cope with my social anxiety

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I hope the video helps you. It is a little difficult to work on social anxiety during the pandemic, but we can begin to work on it through online socializing. Best of luck to you. 😊

[@jamesl7449]

Great video, I have social anxiety, the inner voice in my mind is my biggest problem where I imagine the worst things where i think people are Judging me and Im going to embarrass myself, I'm not alone and there are people out there who care and want to help, never give up and be kind to yourself and keep working on getting better.

[@jaybuggy1183]

This is very kind of you to post. Social anxiety has robbed me of venturing out and missing out on so much that life has to offer. I prayed to Jesus for guidance and I saw the word therapy. Then your video appeared which was therapy!. I haven't been able to work a job around people or have my own place. Basically disassociated and some trauma mixed in there.

[@husastra]

This video is GOLD! Thank you so much for these tips! I'm starting at a new job tomorrow and I'm very nervous about meeting an entire group of people at once but your tips really put me more at ease. Especially taking my attention away from myself is a very helpful shift in perspective.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Good luck on your new job. I am so glad you found the video helpful. Here is another video that may be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@lucymae61]

That was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. I will be applying these techniques to my social anxiety issues.

[@sanyana4737]

Thank you Paige your techniques are so intuitive! They are things I’ve never thought of but make perfect sense. Thank you thank you!!! 💖

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, I appreciate it. I just posted this video last week on social anxiety and thought you might like to see it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@liyemasibizo3529]

This is the first youtube video that helped me with the social anxiety disorder thank you mam whats bothering me now is the headache.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am glad that you found the video helpful. I hope your headache is better. Here is the latest video I have made on social anxiety. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@jakia2020]

Thank you for this video

[@Whoisb_]

Great video. Had a meltdown once I came home from a party this past weekend. Very much needed

[@rubin-healmysocialanxiety702]

Great video Paige! I love the mindsets you use to navigate those social situations like giving yourself a job, seems like a powerful strategy 🙌

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you, Rubin.

[@iamkayla2261]

Thank you for this video. My social anxiety is really bad right now and I tend to get in my head so much that I break down crying and just embarrass myself. The worst thing is that I’m 13 so I sometimes feel like it’ll just get worse from here but I chose to stop my ways and try my best to get through this. Right now I’m on my own cus even talking to my FAMILY is hard and I start stuttering and when I stutter I feel like no one wants to listen to me talk. I’ve had a BFF since I was little since and back then I was way more social but now I’ve find it hard to open up to my BFF and she doesn’t know that I have social anxiety. Sometimes I feel so judged that I change who I am and try to fit in more with the people I’m with wherever I am. I have insecurities so i get very awkward. When I’m by myself I feel at my best that’s why I don’t like going places cause then I feel the need to change. I hope using your techniques can see the way I view things differently. Beating this will take off a HUGE weight off my shoulders.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Kayla, I want you to know that you are not alone. Social anxiety is very common and so many people that you would never guess from observing them are suffering from it. Please try to be kind and accepting of yourself. Being 13 is tough, and it will get better as you get older. Every single person on the planet has insecurities...especially the “popular kids”. I am leaving you with another video on social anxiety that I hope will help you. The more we practice socializing, the better we get. No one is perfect at it, but it is important to keep working on it. Thank you for sharing your story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@iamkayla2261]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you. Watching these vids are already helping me a little.

[@HeyItsCharlie]

I also wanna say this video has WAY better tips than any video I've seen. They all keep saying "just go do things in public and it'll get easier" it makes me worse 😓

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I know it feels overwhelming. It is hard work to face our worst fears and be told that it will help. At some point, we all have to face what we have been avoiding and walk into that fear. You are not alone.🙏❤️

[@personalseitil2244]

Thank you! I hope I can apply those!

[@Shay_TheUnpopularOpinion_]

I LOVED your techniques and I will try my best to keep them in mind in my next challenge. But the sound of 4&5 gives me anxiety. Once I’m in a situation its really not that bad, but they very thought of it just raises my blood pressure 😂

[@__ellsea]

thank you! this helps so much 🥺💗

[@jiggyciggy2188]

Brilliant video, keep up the good work, this helps many people!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I hope so. Thank you for your kind words. 😊

[@AnnaKwonda]

Thank you so much for this video. That last one on rumination is something I've done so heavily in the past (and so often), I would literally bring myself to tears. I am my biggest bully. I actually made myself cry! These techniques help so much.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry, Anna. If we have negative thoughts toward another person, we tend to avoid them or have negative actions to them. The same goes for our thoughts toward ourselves. Be your own best friend, and encourage yourself. We don’t want your enemy deciding how you will feel about yourself. We want your biggest supporter to do that. Thank you so much for your comments. 😊🙏❤️

[@marilounicor3526]

Thank you for making this video maam.

[@kristelroad4059]

ive been dealing with social anxiety for 7 years now and i just hate my self for not being able to carry a conversation just like everyone else. Worst part is now i am forced to live away from family in a new country for university and im struggling so much making friends. While everyone else is having fun at night i've cut down to eating 1 meal a day (breakfast at 5am when everyone is sleeping) and bottling up my feelings just to use the bathrrom. I have this weird thing where when it comes to having conversations with people i have to meet regularly eg: co-workers or collegues i freak out and is unable to talk at all but i am able to make conversations with strangers eg: bus driver, shop worker however ...which is how i miraculously passed the medical interview. I really want to be a doctor but im so frustrated at myself that im not as outgoing and loud spoken as everyone else in the course is. I wan't to get therapy but its kinda taboo in my family and im too broke to afford it myself....now that im not living with my family i feel so alone with no support...sometimes i just wanna take this year off but nothing would have changed by next year....not having control over how you feel is the worst ...i just wish i could go back to myself 7years ago

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Kristel. I am sorry that you are suffering with social anxiety. This is actually not unusual for medical students. Many medical students have spent their time pursuing their academics and have not developed their social skills. Socializing is a learned activity that gets better with practice. You can also recover from anxiety by exposure therapy, which can also be thought of as practice. I believe in your third year of medical school, you will begin doing rotations. These rotations will help you get better, because they will be a form of exposure therapy. You will be doing a form of exposure therapy all through residency as well. By the time you finish your education, you will have gone through approximately 5 years of exposure therapy...possibly more. I have worked with several medical students and the program really forces them to face their fears and in fact cures them. Until that time, please challenge yourself as much as possible. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to be liked, you just have to practice.

[@mrabdulrahmanel-sayed4342]

Thank you very much to helping me to know my Social anxiety and helping to kill it in my mindset 🙏❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am glad the video was helpful. This is something I continue to challenge myself with as well. Thank you for your comment.

[@anirbanaich5670]

i dont have social anxiety, but i was watching ur video, its awesome✌️

[@t4shko]

thank you for all the techniques, they’re going to help me a lot :)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so glad you found them helpful. 😊

[@darkfeather6857]

Thank you for this. I talked to my therapist for an hour about how to get rid of my crippling social anxiety and she didn't mention any of this. This is so helpful!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so glad to hear you found it helpful. They are the strategies that I use. I think that those with social anxiety regressed a bit during the pandemic and will have to challenge themselves as the world begins to open up again. Thank you for your comment. 😊

[@vegancurse]

Thank you.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@bzporto]

You are amazing, thank you so much!!

[@Mohit_Yadav168]

Thanku so much for the great techniques mam, will definitely try to apply all this. Thanks a ton again!! 😊

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

So glad you liked it. We all have to keep challenging ourselves. 😊

[@rubymarroquin3876]

Anxiety medication makes me sleepy 🙃🙄😬 I still wanna overcome it...💔

[@praytherosaryeveryday2709]

Try magnesium glycinate

[@AshaL2377L]

Thank you. That first one might have done the trick for me. Thank you! Xx

[@arsalanali5859]

Awesome!!!

[@liliteo6018]

Thank you so much for the tips❤

[@Come_fly_with_tee]

#2 is my favorite❤️ “Assume people like/love me” -ty this made my day😊

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

And you made my day by sharing that.😊❤️

[@omega.n]

Thank you so much!!💝 wonderful techniques

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome!

[@udhayanps3851]

Thankyou so much😊 these techniques are really helpfull🙏

[@drjoel5525]

I feel like I have faced social anxiety since I was young. Earlier, my relatives used to always point it out as shyness/something you'll get over eventually, but now that I'm a junior doctor, I've accepted that I do indeed have it and I'm actively searching for ways to handle it. The anxiety always kicks in when I'm meeting new people and I feel my mind is either going at 100 mph or it just stops and I feel like I don't know how to start a conversation or continue an ongoing conversation. That's usually when the panic sets in and I wrack my brain to think of something to keep a conversation going. From grade school till medical college, I used to make 2-3 good friends and I was content. I even used to avoid some acquaintances I recognized on the street by taking a longer route, all for the sake of avoiding awkward social interactions. Your video was really insightful and I'll try to implement these 7 techniques in my life going forward. I'll try not to allow social anxiety to be a barrier to living a fulfilling life.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I understand what you are describing, Joel. This video is about some of the techniques that I have used. Ultimately, the more we engage socially, the less anxiety and the more our confidence builds. You will be faced with daily exposures when you begin your rotations in medical school and residency. Think of them as opportunities to practice your social skills instead of dreading them. You may also like the book called, “Conversationally Speaking” by Alan Garner. My son is a doctor and he actually recommended this book and thought it had helped him. Thankfully, socializing are skills that we can learn, and the more that we practice, the more the anxiety goes down. I wish you the best.

[@caitlinbruns3327]

Thank you for making this video. I have come up with some of these techniques on my own and found them very useful. I really appreciated hearing from you (a licensed professional and fellow social anxiety-sufferer) that these are real techniques and learning a few more that I can use to help myself through.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am glad to hear that you naturally are coming up with coping methods on your own. That means it is important to you. You might like this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@megrocks3026]

You seem so nice and motherly 🥺 I felt so at home watching this video.. Thank you so much 💜

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome. Here is a recent video that I hope will help you as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@moutasimaljohari7755]

Thank you so much it’s really helpful, i need to overcome myself

[@moistman1671]

tysm for sharing these techniques🌝💕💕 tho being like “these female dogs LOVE me” will make me feel kinda embarrassed, i feel that they’d help a lot LOL. i’ll be starting school again next week, and i might have phys ed. ahh i’m so nervous with that one LMAO i always used to sit in the bleachers and never participate in fear despite my sister being with me. now that i’m in 10th grade, i feel that i have to actually try to get better. there’s sm things i want to do, but fear of judgement is holding me back sm and it’s so frustrating. srsly, thank u so much for sharing these techniques. i hope everyone reading will overcome this and learn to do what they want with confidence and without doubt

[@catherineogh2440]

this is helpful

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thanks Catherine. I have compassion for you. It’s painful to feel that. Please remember to be compassionate with yourself.❤️

[@Luis-cc9wd]

Thank you!

[@gracetanner4132]

Thank you for this advice I will practice these tips

[@peggymussett8175]

Thank u, this helped alot ❤

[@diamaral3035]

Such a great video!!! Thank you for all the steps!! Step 7 came just in time, because I was doing just that: ruminating!! And yeah thats true!! I went to the event. It is true that I was quiet most of the time, but I TRIED!! And I'll continue to, even if little by little! Thank you soooo much for this video! ❤️❤️❤️

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Good for you. I am so happy you shared. ❤️

[@gustavovazquez9026]

You`re already doing a truly impressive job by being able to upload this videos even though you also have social anxiety

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. Social anxiety, like other anxiety disorders have to continually be challenged throughout our lives. It can creep back in again if we begin to avoid again. Thank you for your comment. 😊

[@savannahbenoist9949]

thank you so much for the tips! you seem like such a kind person. 🥺 i’m really going to try to work on my social anxiety cause i love people and i’m really sociable but my anxiety makes it so hard to engage in interactions without loosing my mind. i get so nervous to the point where i don’t talk much and i feel like i’m boring to the other person. i can’t do too much in quarantine but i’m gonna try to facetime people and hang out with friends from school. i’ll apply these tips and i know i can do it :)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

My story is so similar to yours. I had and sometimes still have those same thoughts. And, even though I may have struggled with social anxiety, I actually love people and love to be social when I am comfortable. And practicing is how I get more comfortable. I wish you the best ....I am right there with you!

[@JoannaJUT]

I will try to practice these hints. Thank you. :)

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome. I recently posted another video on social anxiety that I hope helps you as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJTdYZiIrNSrbM0

[@humaqureshi3990]

Very helpful Thank you

[@norma9237]

thank you for the valuable information. Just listening to you talking is so nice and calming.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you so much, I am glad you find it helpful.

[@stephensanders7660]

Very good!!!😃

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 😌

[@emillylouise0]

Thank you so much

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@theavastark6463]

Thank you so much I really owe everything to you probably just saved my relationship I have server Social anxiety haven't seen my bb in ages

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are not alone....I will forever be challenging myself...it does get easier overtime as we build up our confidence...but the moment we avoid a social gathering, we know we have work left to do. Thank you for your comments. ❤️

[@theavastark6463]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy your welcome 💕 I'm a teen my anxiety is that bad it has lead to ed so I really needed this we all do

[@a.m2773]

Hi, I'm currently working on my social anxiety. And I allways wanted to become a therapist! Glad I found your channel!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am glad you did too! The world needs more therapists!

[@nicolelewis4142]

This helped me so much, thank you, I appreciate it! 😊

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I'm so glad! I made a follow up video that I hope helps as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnahWuGjLydppY

[@richardtdolphin3307]

These tips are so helpful. I have used them tonight and they work. It’s not rocket science and every one wins . Thankyou so much

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Richard. Glad that the suggestions worked for you. I use them myself 😊

[@biddyshea2095]

Very helpful. Thankyou.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching 🙏❤️

[@shelbylouise8276]

This was so helpful! Thank you

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I'm so glad!

[@ClixCFC]

When you said assume people like you i cried 😁 i have an uncle who would talk to my cousins only and i would think that he likes them more then me

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I can relate to your tears. ❤️

[@Anna-ls8ej]

This is really helpful thank you so much also for sharing your story with us

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@mansonsacidtrip6862]

I really appreciate this video. I'm 17 and I've basically wasted my first 3 years of high school due to this disorder. I'm in my senior year now, have no social life, have a really rocky home life (was homeless for 9 months and had an abusive parent) am failing most of my classes and feel like I'm completely alone. I struggle to see any reason to get out of bed most mornings. I just want to be more than this

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry that you are struggling. You are so much more. I am wondering if you would consider working with a therapist. Perhaps you could contact your school counselor to help you with this. Sometimes we all need some extra support and it sounds like you have been through a lot. Here is a video that I made for people that need words of encouragement. You are not alone...eventhough you may be isolated during this pandemic ...you are not alone. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJbWc4iKhZqJhM0

[@Sage-yi4sv]

Thank you for this, this will change my life.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You are so welcome. Keep working on it…this is challenging work but can get much easier with practice.

[@sltv4512]

thank you so much

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@bubbalisious9865]

I am scared to death of social interaction and yet long for it. Even around people I've known for years I am afraid of saying something stupid or that I look like a nervous wreck the entire time, so I spend the entire time thinking about how I am going to correct the feeling and end up not being able to focus. I will practice with these techniques and hopefully get somewhere. So thank you for this!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, that is exactly what so many of us experience. I am thankful that you see that deep down, we really do want to connect with others....this is why we are anxious about it. It helps me to challenge myself socially when I remind myself how much I value connecting with others.❤️

[@pinderjohnson208]

Great video!

[@carolToyXD]

Very interesting, I loved how you give a lot of practical insights.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you. The most insightful thing I have learned about my own struggles with social anxiety, is that it really is all in my head. If I assume people like me, they do. If I assume people don’t, they don’t. It really is all up to us...what we want to experience socially. And, the more we challenge ourselves, the better we get at socializing. Thank you so much for your comment.

[@carolToyXD]

I was wondering did you had anxiety before starting the channel? how did you dealt with that? posting things on social media its something would help me a lot in my work as a designer, but I can't do it for some reason and I struggle a lot with that. Thanks ♡

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I have had social anxiety as long as I can remember. But, I have had to make a lot of presentations in my career and have found whether your fear is public speaking or just small talk with people you do not know well, practice makes all the difference. When I make the videos, I am just talking to my phone. I know, I will receive criticism from social media, but, I just remind myself of what my goals are in helping people. I was very awkward on my first videos, but, I can see that I am getting more relaxed as I go. You can absolutely do this. Everyone just naturally gets a little more relaxed and comfortable as they go.