Attending a party when you suffer from social anxiety can be terrifying. Believe it or not, though, it is possible for you to have a good time at such an event. Follow these four tips the next time you’re invited to a party.
Don’t Talk Yourself Out of It
The first step for easing your anxiety is not talking yourself out of attending the party. It’s so easy to come up with a million reasons why you shouldn’t go to that party, but you’ll never overcome your anxiety if you lock yourself away. And the truth is that the more you put yourself out there and the more social situations you’re in, the more comfortable you’ll be. The first step is always getting yourself out the door, so enlist a friend or a family member to help you make that first step.
Conversation Starters
Another way to deal with anxiety is to be prepared. Before you go to a party, come up with some possible conversation starters that can get you going. For example, you can practice introducing yourself or have a few topics that you can lead with it. The hardest part of any conversation is figuring out what to say first, so if you already have a good idea of what to talk about, it will be easier for you when you’re at the party.
Say No to Isolation
The last thing that you want to do at a party is find a corner and hide in it, even though that might be your first instinct. Instead, vow to talk to at least three different people at the party. These people could be someone you already know or a total stranger. It might seem daunting to put yourself in the middle of the action, but you’ll find once you get a conversation going, you’ll feel happier and more comfortable.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
At a party, there will probably be lots of drinks. You may have used alcohol in the past to ease some of your anxiety. After all, after a few drinks you might just feel yourself lose some of your inhibitions. And while it’s okay to have a beer or a glass of wine, you don’t want to be too reliant on alcohol in order to open up. It’s too easy develop bad habits when it comes to alcohol, and you can end up making your anxiety worse. Instead, try to limit your alcohol intake so that you can remain clear-headed.
Going to a party can be loads of fun, even if you suffer from social anxiety. Follow the tips above and see how things go. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking professional help from a place like Lifeline. Getting counseling may end up being one of the healthiest decisions you’ll ever make.
