How to Overcome Social Shyness?

How to Overcome Social Shyness?

When social shyness is a disorder, its treatment methods include the following:

• Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are among the most prominent. The goal of psychotherapy for this disorder is to teach the patient how to recognize and change negative thoughts about themselves, as these are the root cause of their social shyness. Changing these thoughts leads to overcoming harmful shyness.

• Medication

The main groups of medications used for this disorder include:

• Antidepressants: Including:
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Anxiolytics: Usually used short-term due to risk of addiction or tolerance; also known as sedatives.
• Beta blockers: These medications block effects caused by the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which include:
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Voice trembling.
  • Trembling limbs.

How to Overcome Social Shyness by Yourself?

The following tips help you overcome social shyness on your own, provided it is not caused by an anxiety disorder. These tips also support overcoming shyness alongside other treatments prescribed by a doctor or psychologist for each case:

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Committing to a healthy lifestyle helps avoid triggers of social shyness symptoms. Important steps include:

1. Regularly exercising.
2. Reducing or avoiding caffeine consumption.
3. Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
4. Getting sufficient sleep.

• Practice Meditation

Meditation helps overcome social shyness according to research, which shows:

1. The effectiveness of meditation matches the positive impact of cognitive behavioral therapy in overcoming social phobia.
2. Meditation can empower you to face negative beliefs and thoughts about yourself, aiding in overcoming social shyness.
3. Meditation induces brain structure changes that reduce anxiety and fear symptoms caused by social phobia.

Now that you know how to overcome social shyness, we recommend downloading the Tawazon app to access comprehensive information about various meditation types and enjoy different meditations and podcasts.