How to Calm Down and Ride Out Difficult Social Settings

"We all fear challenging social settings. For some of us, an approaching work presentation or public speaking commitment is enough to send us into an anxiety loop. For others, a family celebration, formal social engagement, or even a casual get-together triggers fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. We all imagine ways to escape dreaded or feared responsibilities or commitments, though in the end, we follow through and rarely experience the worst-case scenarios we imagine."

"The need for social connectionIn their landmark 2025 publication, From Loneliness to Social Connection, the World Health Organization shines a light on the perils of social disconnection, explaining that "our ability to thrive depends on our ability to connect with others, and links strong social connections to improved health and decreased risk of early death." The fact that we thrive, live longer, and have happier, more meaningful lives is strongly supported by numerous studies, including the renowned longitudinal Harvard Happiness study."

"According to new research, social anxiety disorder is on the rise, with a comparative 12-month prevalence of both anxiety and mood disorders increasing from 10.2 to 16.7 percent from 2007- 2009 to 2019-2022. Social anxiety has affected over 7 percent of adult Americans in the past year, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and an estimated 12 percent of the population suffers from social anxiety in the course of their lifetime."

Social anxiety produces intense fear and self-doubt before, during, or after social interactions such as work presentations, family events, or casual gatherings, making presence difficult. Avoidance and escape from feared social situations reinforce loneliness and isolation. Strong social connections associate with better health, longer life, and greater meaning, and lack of connection raises health risks. Recent data show rising prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders, with notable percentages affected by social anxiety annually and across lifetimes. Managing fear, enduring challenging situations, and applying effective strategies support improved well-being and social functioning.

Read at Psychology Today