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I have bad social anxiety. How can I manage and overcome it? |
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| A |
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Talking with coworkers, buying groceries, eating in public, meeting new people, and hanging out in a larger group — these seemingly casual activities can feel overwhelming and intimidating to someone with social anxiety, maybe even to the point of avoiding them entirely.
If you relate, you’re in good company. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around 15 million American adults have social anxiety disorder, often starting during the teenage years.
Social anxiety is different from simply being shy. It can disrupt your life, be persistent, and affect everyday activities. But there are many ways to manage it. While it can be daunting at first, a few small changes can help you move toward overcoming your social anxiety.
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