We all remember the famous year 2020 –when Covid struck and going outside wasn’t an option; therefore, social interactions were limited. But how did that affect us?

While everything has consequences, Covid certainly had one of the biggest ones known to Gen-Z. Not only did we use the term “Facetime” daily so frequently that we kept forgetting about the importance of physical touch and eye-to-eye contact.

I asked about the effects this had on us, but what were those? Were they just another page in our book or one of our leaves ready to fall off and be in our past? I cannot tell you for sure, but I know it certainly left us with a deep scar – social anxiety.

Not the first time hearing about it, right? It’s just something so familiar yet so underrated in its seriousness.

As a species that strives for attention and contact, we put it under the carpet more than we should. We are weird sometimes, but it makes us unique and special (alongside our intelligence and other components).

Were you one of those who wanted to change during the covid period? So was I! “But sometimes it’s normal to struggle with change, even when it’s positive.” – said Itai Danovich, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai.

Not only did he say that we feel things for a reason and that anxiety is a threat response, but he also stated that the threat level people perceive about returning to social situations after the pandemic will vary from person to person.

“Not all anxiety or fear is an anxiety disorder,” he said. “Many will feel a certain amount of trepidation or shyness at first, but will soon adjust to and enjoy more socializing.”

How to treat social anxiety?

Therapy

The first thing that comes to our minds is therapy. It’s mostly something you see in movies, not in real life. But why? Because people are too scared to approach someone for help, even at their lowest.

We chose therapy because of its benefits. The main one is that you can discuss your thoughts and feelings with your therapist, and they can help you discover the root cause of your social anxiety.

You can also work on building healthier habits, creating a plan to overcome anxiety, and creating a safe place to express your fears and feelings.

Support groups

For someone with social anxiety, this may even be the best option. The same people surround you, and you'll also work on overcoming your fear of social contact.

If you want to join one check the ones in your city. Still, you can see the online ones as well, such as AnxietyTribe, Mental Health America, or Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies and conventional treatment might also reduce anxiety and help you cope with social phobia.

You can always try yoga, breathing exercises, or meditation. They will help you relax your mind, ease the anxiety and therefore make you healthier.

Change your lifestyle!

Alongside the text about New Year’s resolutions I wrote, you can follow some of the new advice I have for you! 😊

Avoidance of caffeine can make you feel a lot better (even if you are a student and all-nighters are a habit).

Too much caffeine can trigger panic attacks and fatigue and even make you feel exhausted sometimes. Ironic, isn’t it?

 Drinking something may refresh your body but also make it worse. If you wish to avoid this, water is the best option.

Practice your sociality because practice makes perfect, right? You don't have to start going out immediately; say “Good morning” or wave for the beginning. You could lose nothing by doing those but improve your confidence.

Going to social events is a great way to reduce the intensity of your social anxiety. Instead of turning them down, prepare for them or invite people to your own!

This is a big step for you, and I get it if you feel there are better times for this. But let's be honest, there is no right time to do something; there is just the right way and the amount of dedication needed to achieve what you want.

Go out, enjoy at a party or sing your heart out at a concert. Always greet someone who's walking next to you. I agree when they say anything is possible, but I agree more when they say you are who you’re meant to be – everything happens for a reason. Make us proud and turn your social anxiety into a loving society!

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#Move on! 

*An article was prepared and written by Balša Kićović, Textual Content Creator.