You know that other people don't bite, right? Of course they don't. So why do people with social anxiety run around like they do? Well, if you fear other people let's start with why you're afraid. You're afraid of being judged, criticized, ridiculed or laughed at. You don't like the feeling of strangers approaching or crowds gathering. So you hide. You cower in your home. You limit the places you visit. You drown your fears in the mundane but deep down you wish you could do more. Maybe there's hope though. Maybe your fear of
Is Anxiety a Life Sentence?
Some people are born anxious. This is according to numerous studies conducted over the past several decades. For example, did you know that some infants have a stronger startle response than others? That's just the beginning. Psychologist Jerome Kagan of Harvard has said that many of these 'high-reactors' tend to grow up nervous. They worry a lot, feel insecure, and some even develop anxiety disorders. There are those that don't believe in a genetic basis for high anxiety, but you know what? I'm not one of them. I believe that some
Do You Make This Mistake When Anxious?
Have you ever tried to explain your fears about being anxious to someone and said something like, "I know I'm OK but...?" On what probably feels like a thousand occasions you've said that you're doing pretty good. Yet inside you might still be holding on to lingering doubts about whether or not you're going to survive your next bout of anxiety. You've at times even convinced yourself that you'll handle the next heart attack scare, panic attack, or uncontrollable eye twitch with a lion's courage, that is, until it happens again and you
How to Beat Shyness
If you're shy you're not alone. There are millions of people on this blue rock that can't stand to meet strangers, me included. There's something scary about meeting new people. Maybe it's the fear of judgment, rejection, or feelings of inadequacy that make us think that way. But despite all that shyness is beatable. Before I tell you the secret code to beating shyness, first let me point out why you should want to do such a crazy thing. It's because shyness is ruining your life, well at least your social life. Actually, let me ask you
Wearing A Mask Of Tranquility
photo credit: giopuo Most anxiety sufferers don't go around shaking and biting their nails, however that doesn't mean that most of us don't spend a good amount of energy on perfecting and using what I like to call a mask of tranquility. Outwardly I think we would all like to be seen as confident, steady people that project all the attractive personality traits most people admire. But when you find yourself nervous a good deal of the time these traits don't come easily and have to be worked on. Wearing a mask of tranquility is what all