How To Cure Social Anxiety Disorder Without Drugs or Electric Shocks

The first step toward curing social anxiety disorder is to understand that you are not alone. If you are at a party and feel nervous or uneasy that you may do or say the wrong thing, remember that at least one other person in the room probably feels that same way. In fact, there are probably several other people in the room who are as uncomfortable being there as you are.

The next thing to do is to set aside time to prepare yourself for a social event. Start when you receive the invitation. Sit down and read it carefully and ask yourself, "Would I enjoy doing this?" Don't think about your fears or who might be there or what might happen. Just ask yourself if you'd enjoy going.

If you would like to go, accept the invitation as soon as possible. Once you have committed yourself to going, you will be less likely to back out and more likely to attend, even if you have to get out of your comfort zone.

Next, begin preparing for the big event. Plan what you are going to wear and how you will get there. Try on any outfits you are considering and pick out your favorite, the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. If you are unsure what to wear, call someone else who is attending and ask what they're wearing.

A few days before the event, sit down and evaluate your feelings. Are you excited? Nervous? Its OK to be a little of both. If you are having a problem with anxiety at this time, try writing down a list of what you are actually afraid of. Then look at each item on the list and evaluate the likelihood of it actually happening.

For instance, suppose you are afraid that your dress will rip and expose your backside. What are the chances that that will actually happen? Not very high unless your dress is way too tight, in which case you might want to wear something else.

Another step toward curing social anxiety disorder is to face your fears. Look at that list again. What if your dress were to tear? Then what would happen? The world would not end, nor would anyone die. You would be embarrassed, but there is also a good chance that few if any people would notice. You could simply beat a hasty retreat to the restroom and make what repairs you could and then return to the party with a laugh.

Go ahead and get a new haircut at least a week before, not the day of, the event. Also, run a map to you location on the Internet and allow plenty of time to get there, taking into consideration traffic, weather or other possible delays. If you are supposed to bring anything with you, plan for that, too.

HINT: It you have volunteered to bring a food item and are nervous about cooking for others, just offer to pick something up from you local grocery store or deli. Order it a few days before so that you know it will be ready when you go to pick it up.

Make plans for the day of the event so that you will not feel rushed getting out the door. Gas up the car and lay out your clothes the night before. If you want to paint your nails or shine your shoes, do that then too.

Try to set aside a couple of hours before you leave to get ready. Soak in a hot tub to relax before getting dressed. Make sure you have your keys in hand and walk out the door with your head held high.

For more information and ideas about curing social anxiety, especially the actual anxiety of being at a party, check out ....