The Student Room Group

weird social anxiety experience

basically i decided to go to the gym for the first time and couldn't the free weights section. I've been getting better at social anxiety but when I did this I was way more nervous then usual to the point that my chest started to feel weird and i started to feel shaky. I thought i was getting better at social anxiety so this is a real stinker. anyone got any tips for overcoming this sort of situation?
Hi There

We hear that you are living with Social Anxiety and you have recently gone to the gym for the first time but you didn’t feel able to use the free weights section. It is great that you have been able to go to the gym. Looking after your Physical Health is a great way to practice self-care and it can have a really positive impact on your Mental Health too 🙌

If you take a look at the Calm website it lists some ideas on how you can look after yourself in these moments when you feel anxious. We also encourage you to reach out to Anxiety UK who can provide you with practical information and support with living with Social Anxiety 🫶

You have done really well to use this space to be honest about how you are feeling. If you are feeling like suicide is an option right now then you can call Hopeline247 on 0800 068 4141 or Text us on 88247 to speak with a trained Suicide Prevention Adviser who will be more than happy to help 💟
Original post by afternoonramen
basically i decided to go to the gym for the first time and couldn't the free weights section. I've been getting better at social anxiety but when I did this I was way more nervous then usual to the point that my chest started to feel weird and i started to feel shaky. I thought i was getting better at social anxiety so this is a real stinker. anyone got any tips for overcoming this sort of situation?
That's exactly what happened to me, 2 weeks on the first week of school 😭, I really thought my anxiety was getting better
Original post by afternoonramen
basically i decided to go to the gym for the first time and couldn't the free weights section. I've been getting better at social anxiety but when I did this I was way more nervous then usual to the point that my chest started to feel weird and i started to feel shaky. I thought i was getting better at social anxiety so this is a real stinker. anyone got any tips for overcoming this sort of situation?

Social skills:

Be open, relaxed, approachable, friendly, lighten up

0) You can try nlp exercises, meditation, breathing techniques, visualisation. You can read books on this subject and there is a wealth of resources on the internet, youtube regarding this subject.

1) Relax, imagine you're just observing or there as a traveller. For example, if you are on holiday, you go there to experience and observe the attraction, you're not going to get anxious doing that are you?

2) Smile, smiling in contagious.

3) Be confident, respect yourself, accept yourself, work out, wear good clothes, feel good, focus on your passions, know you are a good person who treats people well, you have got as much right as everyone else.Think positively, be proud of yourself, do things that make you happy, remember your happy times, what makes you confident? What makes you proud? Do you have a skill you are good at? Do things like cooking, driving, learning that increases your confidence daily. Relax.Have good posture, body language, improve your appearance. Be happy with yourself.

4) Dress well, have good grooming, hairstyle, have good posture.

5) Just say hi or hey to people in your vicinity, who cares if they don't say anything back?

6) Ask how they are, how's everything, how's it going, what's the latest, what made them choose this course, their plans for the future, their plans for the rest of the day, weekend, how was their weekend, their day, what they will get up to, what they got up to, ask them about their hobbies, talk about what's happening. You could read up on current affairs.Talk about the weather or did you see that sports game? Just mingle with them,Compliment them, say "I like your jacket".If you know they went on a holiday or somewhere, ask them about it etc.

7) Be passionate about life.

8) In group discussions, relax and talk to someone close or if someone says something you know, you can talk then. Stay relaxed.

9) Lighten up, have a laugh, laugh easily, be friendly, approachable, interested, relaxed.

10) You can write things down and come up with a rational reframed response, keep a journal of your thoughts, re
ach out to people slowly
I used to be so scared Abt working lout in public gyms (still a little bit when I fail my sets) no one really cares and I got a lot more comfortable when I learned where everything is and went more often. most people only pay attention to you if they are waiting for you to get done with the equipment they want (mainly just glances at you from time to time tho) or if they are too scared or don't know what to do
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear about future events or situations. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, it can become a disorder when these feelings are overwhelming, persistent, and interfere with daily life. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Symptoms often include restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. Treatment options for anxiety range from therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy) and lifestyle adjustments (such as regular exercise and mindfulness) to medications in some cases. Seeking support, either through professional guidance or community resources, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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