If this was the children’s movie Inside Out I would be the character Fear; quite simply because most scenarios and interactions in life cause me anxiety. Whilst I live with many anxiety disorders including OCD and generalised anxiety disorder, my biggest anxiety battle is with social anxiety.

Social anxiety is quite simply a fear of social situations that inevitably affects your everyday life. Even though at the age of 32 I am now comfortable with who I am and accept my mental health for what it is I do still suffer with attacks of anxiety in social scenarios. I hate situations where I am being watched and feeling judged. From talking in groups and worrying what to say to feeling people’s eyes on me and stressing I will do something which makes me seem incompetent and stupid. So much so that when I am put in such situations I have actual physical symptoms occur from uncontrollable trembling to feeling physically sick.

Whilst all anxiety disorders are extremely challenging to live with; you can still live life. Managing your anxiety disorders is something that takes practise, but it can be achieved with patience and belief in your own self and your abilities to cope.

My top tips for managing anxiety disorders are:

Learn about your anxiety – Take some time to really understand what it is that makes you anxious. What is going on in that situation that is causing your worry? Are you a social worrier? Is it the idea of germs that are the issue or maybe you worry about getting something wrong. Nine times out of ten there are patterns in your anxiety and reasons behind your altered thinking. E.g. my anxiety stems from a feeling of not being good enough hence the the dread of social situations whereby people may judge me.

Live in the here and now – Anxious people tend to predict outcomes to scenarios thinking something bad is going to happen before it does. By living in the moment you will be more able to go along with reality rather than your perceived vision.

Master cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – Understanding how your thoughts affect your emotions, behaviour and body will help you to see the power your negative thinking has on the rest of your being. Therefore helping you to challenge your rigid beliefs about not only your surroundings, but you yourself.