How Occupational Therapy can help with social anxiety
With COVID-19 restrictions being slowly lifted, and people starting to get back to in-person social and work activities , some people are experiencing unexpected feelings of unease and anxiety.
Many people were expecting to be very happy and socially active right now, meeting friends, going to favorite restaurants, or joining that fitness class that they have been missing. But if instead of joy you are feeling afraid, anxious and are avoiding going out, please know that you’re not alone. Many people are feeling the same way.
According to Anxiety Canada, “Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting between 7 and 13% of the population”.
How to effectively cope with social anxiety
The good news is that there are effective ways to cope with social anxiety.
Here are some good tips from Healthline:
- Ease back into it
- Visualize situations in your head
- Allow yourself to be scared
- Practice self-care
- Get professional help
Addressing anxiety is one of many things that Occupational Therapists can help with during these uncertain times. Our OTs have training and experience helping people overcome fear, anxiety and help them get back to doing things they love. We know that dealing with social anxiety can be overwhelming, but our Occupational Therapists are ready to help you getting back to the activities that are meaningful to you.
All of our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and are skilled in treating clients with anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Our OTs serve the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky and Vancouver Island. To learn more about our services, contact us.
Additional Resources
Anxiety Canada: Self-help strategies for social anxiety
Statistics Canada: Social Anxiety disorder: much more than shyness
New York Times: How to deal with quarantine-induced social anxiety
Image reposted from additude.com