Expert Tips on Overcoming Social Anxiety

For many students returning to university, social anxiety can be a major obstacle to success. Mary, who struggled with social anxiety during her undergraduate degree, shares her story and expert advice on how to overcome it.

For Mary, the debilitating grip of social anxiety disorder was a constant companion, affecting approximately one in eight individuals at some point in their lives. Yet, with the guidance of cognitive-behavioral therapy, she was able to break free from its hold, making profound shifts in her life that had a lasting impact.

According to Neil Greening, chair of the Social Anxiety Alliance UK, social anxiety is when it actually stops people doing things. "People think they have a personality flaw. They internalise it rather than seeing it as a recognisable condition that they can get help for."

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Research by the University of Chichester has revealed a striking correlation between social anxiety and academic underperformance. As well as strained social connections and feelings of disconnection among university students, with over a fifth of them experiencing social anxiety during their studies.

Prof David Clark, a psychologist at the University of Oxford, recommends that people with social anxiety focus outwardly on the conversation, other person, or surroundings. "People with social anxiety often monitor themselves constantly during social situations. Am I blushing?

Do I sound stupid? Do I look nervous? ".

Clark also suggests that people with social anxiety need to test their fears with behavioural experiments by asking a question in a meeting or saying something in a group and noticing what happens. "People with social anxiety often assume negative outcomes – that they will embarrass themselves or think others will find them boring.

Testing that can help people break that. It's frightening, but it can really help."

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Mary, who is now 25, has been managing her social anxiety better since she started her postgraduate course. She credits her therapy and support from friends for her recovery. "I used to play things over constantly in my mind.

What I've learnt is that dealing with social anxiety is a gradual process."

Mary'It's story highlights the importance of seeking help and support for social anxiety. With the right treatment and mindset, it is possible to overcome social anxiety and live a fulfilling life.