Whether you're a Baby Boomer, a millennial or younger, chances are you've dealt with social anxiety at some point in your life. Whether it's during a job interview, a first date, or even just meeting new people at a party, social anxiety can be incredibly debilitating. But the good news is that there are ways to overcome it, including social anxiety therapy in Sydney! Here are a few tips to try first:

1. Speak to someone who understands

If you're feeling anxious about an upcoming social situation, it can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you're going through. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or even a fellow sufferer of social anxiety. Talking openly about your feelings can help lessen their intensity and make them more manageable.

2. Identify your triggers

One of the best ways to overcome social anxiety is to identify your triggers - that is, the things that tend to set off your anxious feelings. Once you know what these triggers are, you can start to work on avoiding them or lessening their impact on you. For example, if you know that being in large groups of people makes you feel anxious, try to steer clear of situations like crowded bars or packed parties.

3. Challenge your negative thoughts

An essential part of overcoming social anxiety is learning how to challenge your negative thoughts. When you're feeling anxious about a particular situation, take a step back and ask yourself if there's any evidence to support your fears. More often than not, you'll find that your worries are unfounded - and this realisation can be hugely empowering!

4. Practice relaxation techniques

When faced with an anxious situation, many people tend to tense up both mentally and physically. Learning how to relax both your body and mind can be hugely helpful in managing anxiety. There are plenty of relaxation techniques out there - from deep breathing exercises to progressive muscle relaxation - so find one that works for you and practice it regularly!

Be patient – practise makes perfect

Social anxiety doesn't have to control your life. If you're struggling with anxiety, remember that there are ways to overcome it and keep in mind that you may not see instant results – it might take time for you to overcome your social anxiety and alleviate the feelings of anxiousness that socialising fosters inside you. Good luck!