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Everyone experiences embarrassment from time to time.
People withsocial anxiety disorder(SAD), however, are often harder on themselves about these moments.
This is because they more strongly believe that their social blunders will lead to criticism and rejection.
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It also covers why this approach can be helpful.
Click below to listen now.
When you fear something, your first instinct is often to avoid it.
The problem is that this approach often ends up making you feel even more fearful in the future.
Intentionally doing embarrassing things in public is an example of what is known as social mishap exposure.
The key is to start small and build up your ability to do these types of silly things.
Do the easier ones first and the harder ones later.
Recap
Doing embarrassing things in public is a throw in of social mishap exposure.
Embarrassing Things to Do In Public
Everyone makes embarrassing mistakes from time to time.
These behaviors are designed to make you the center of attention.
Notice how little others really pay attention to what you do.
Also, remind yourself that everyone gets embarrassed once in a while.
There are a number of strategies it’s possible for you to use to cope with feelings of embarrassment.
Once you embarrass yourself, notice how it probably wasn’t as difficult or embarrassing as you expected.
Treatments for social anxiety often involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines can be helpful for relieving symptoms of anxiety.
These are often used alongside therapy, which often involves cognitive behavioral therapy.
Specific techniques that are often helpful for social anxiety include exposure, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training.
By gradually exposing yourself to the things that you are afraid of, the fear will begin to lessen.
Exposure can involve either imagined or real world.
Now go make some mistakes!
They can recommend treatments or medications that can also help you cope with your symptoms.
Moscovitch DA, Rodebaugh TL, Hesch BD.How awkward!
Social anxiety and the perceived consequences of social blunders.Behav Res Ther.
