Social anxiety doesn’t always look like the stereotype of someone who is shy and introverted. In fact, it’s possible to be an extrovert with social anxiety. Extroverts are known for being outgoing, social, and energized by being around others. However, many extroverts experience anxiety in social situations that can make it challenging to connect with others. This can lead to feelings of shame, as they want to be the social butterfly they are inside, but their anxiety holds them back.
If you’re struggling with social anxiety despite being an extrovert, know that you’re not alone. At Honey Lake Clinic, we’ve helped people just like you through social anxiety treatment in the serene setting of our lakeside facility. Call 888.428.0562 today to get started.
Social Anxiety: More Than Shyness
Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is more than just feeling shy or nervous in social situations. It’s an intense fear of being judged, rejected, or humiliated in front of others. For extroverts with social anxiety, this can be especially challenging because their desire to connect with others clashes with their fear of doing so.
Some common symptoms of social anxiety include:
- Excessive self-consciousness and worrying about what others think
- Fear of being the center of attention or speaking in public
- Avoiding social situations or enduring them with intense distress
- Difficulty making and maintaining eye contact
- Trembling or sweating when in social situations
- Nausea or other physical symptoms in social situations
Extroverts aren’t immune to these feelings just because they love to be around people—social anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of their personality type. For extroverts, this can be especially frustrating because they want to be outgoing and social, but their anxiety gets in the way.
Managing Social Anxiety as an Extrovert
If you’re an extrovert struggling with social anxiety, know that there are ways to manage your symptoms and still enjoy being around others. Here are a few strategies that may help:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing before entering social situations.
- Start small and challenge yourself gradually. Instead of diving into large social gatherings, start by attending one-on-one hangouts with close friends.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of telling yourself you’ll make a fool of yourself at the event, remind yourself that you have valuable things to contribute and that it’s okay to be vulnerable.
- Seek support from loved ones. Letting your friends know about your struggles can help them understand and support you in social situations.
- Consider getting help. Therapy can be a valuable tool in managing social anxiety. A therapist can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and build confidence in social situations.
- Give it to God. Remember that you’re not entering social situations alone—God is with you, and He loves you just the way you are.
Shame doesn’t have to be a part of your journey. With support and effective treatment, it’s possible to thrive as an extrovert with social anxiety.
Connect with Honey Lake Clinic Today
At Honey Lake Clinic, we offer a faith-based approach to treating social anxiety and other mental health conditions. Our lakeside campus and all-inclusive amenities make treatment into a retreat away from the stress of everyday life. Here, you can focus on the root causes of social anxiety, find ways to manage your symptoms, and grow in your relationship with God. Our approach to treatment for all mental health conditions addresses all three spheres—mind, body, and spirit—that make you whole.
We invite you to call 888.428.0562 or reach out online today to learn more about our social anxiety treatment program—we’re ready to help you reclaim your story.
