Social anxiety at any tie of year isn’t fun to deal with, but at Christmas time with all the events and gatherings it can be downright overwhelming.
It’s not just a fear of awkward conversation – which we all have – it’s the over analysis of that conversation. What may just be an uncomfortable silence for you can feel unbearable to them and they’ll interpret many things that may not be true from that silence.
Getting through the season and actually enjoying it can be made all the easier by someone who understand what they’re going through an dis there to help. Noticing the signs that your friend may be experiencing anxiety in a social setting can help you to step in and help them out this Christmas, the best gift of all to someone who finds Christmas meet ups to be stressful.
They don’t seem like themselves
It might not be unusual for them to be quiet in a group setting, but if they’re acting differently to their usual, it might be more than just their natural quiet nature.
They may be avoiding speaking to people, or even speaking too much. Making conversation when feeling socially anxious can make you distracted and have you feeling adrift. They may even disappear off to the bathroom or kitchen for a little while to calm themselves or just check out of the whole situation for a while.
If you can be there for them as the person they ca hang out with but not necessarily have to try hard socially with, it can be a big relief when in large group settings. Having someone there who’s your anchor means that they’re not left to make awkward conversation with people they aren’t comfortable with or find their way out of situations that make them feel under pressure.
They keep making excuses
If your group has a few meet ups planned over the holidays and your socially anxious friend seems to have an excuse for all of them, it might be no harm to check in with them.
The holidays can be a tough time of year for anyone, but the sudden flood of invitations may stress them out. While to some of us they’re an exciting and important aspect of the holiday, for others it can be pressurizing and daunting facing into a full calendar.
Help them know that it’s okay to pick and choose what they want to go to, and that the smaller. More intimate group meet ups might be more comfortable to them. Remind them that their friends do want to see them and that they don’t have to stay if they’re not comfortable. Sometimes when lots of events are grouped together, it can seem overwhelming, but giving them space to attend what …….