The BackPacking Psychonaut

social anxiety 101

Alex Rodgers

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Social anxiety quite literally ruined my life—not only by preventing me from socialising and developing relationships but also by making me so secluded that I refused to leave my house in case I might run into someone I knew.

I contrast that state of mind with how I feel now, and I feel like a different person. My ability to socialise is probably the strongest aspect of my character, and I frequently get complimented on how confident I am.

This is everything I wish I had known earlier to help me go from socially anxious to socially fluid.

episode structure.... 

1. Social anxiety 

. What it is 
. What it feels like 
. how you can feel if you overcome it 

2. Where social anxiety comes from 

. lack of attention and acceptance growing up 
. Not feeling heard or seen, learning that people are scary 
. Evolutionary purpose 
. Intention behind social situations  
. Psychological symptoms 

3. Steps to healing social anxiety 

. awareness
. Meditation
. Exposure 
. CBT - cognition work 
. Somatic inquiry 
. Dissociation 
. Trauma work / shadow work 
. Exercise 
. Diet/sleep