Managing Social Anxiety in the Holiday Season: Techniques for Attending Parties and Events

Families and friends get together for events and occasions over the holiday season. Some young people may experience increased stress as a result, particularly in situations involving big social groups.

In general, the stress of finances, time constraints, gift-giving, and holiday get-togethers can all make anxiety worse around the holidays. When you are among people you don’t typically see, are asked to engage in small conversation, or feel under pressure to respond to inquiries about your personal life—such as your employment, relationships, or political views—your level of social anxiety may rise. These tips can help you cope with social anxiety this holiday season.

In social situations, a person suffering from social anxiety may come across as reserved or bashful. In addition, even when they want to, they could find it difficult to engage in conversation or to be around other people.

Symptoms of social anxiety can be both physical and mental, and they include:

• Severe anxiety
• Being aware of oneself
• accelerated heart rate
• heightened awareness
• mouth dryness
• Leg weakness
• chest ache
• emesis
• breathing difficulties

What strategies can you use to control or get ready for social anxiety before attending a holiday party?

• Prepare a few talk-starters on your interests or accomplishments.
• Invite a friend to the event.
• Establish limits on how long you stay or the topics of conversation you choose not to engage in. Plan a self-care activity for before or after the gathering.

When you’re at a holiday get-together, how do you handle or control your social anxiety?

• Offer to assist the host in finding a chore to divert their attention.
• Take a short walk outside and share your feelings with a loved one you can trust.
• Try to change your negative thoughts or self-talk to more realistically positive ones.

If your social anxiety is driving you to avoid social settings at work, school, or with friends and family, or if it is continuously interfering with your everyday life, you should seek help as soon as you believe it is necessary. For assistance with choices for medicine or mental health care, please get in touch with your doctor.