3 Skills to Overcome Social Anxiety Post-Pandemic

In this video we’re going to talk about three ways to retrain your brain to get better at handling social situations and the social anxiety that comes with them.
More people are feeling social anxiety than ever. The World Health Organization recently released a report stating that the Covid-19 pandemic led to a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. I know that for me, social interactions seem more awkward, that I feel more anxious around people than I did in the past, and that I have a lower tolerance for social interaction than ever. And I know that’s a common experience these days.
So why is that? In part, it’s due to having gone through more isolation than ever. It’s probably due to how the brain adapts to situations, but also how we think about social anxiety and social situations.
Social Anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety and affects a lot of people. But you can learn the skills to combat social anxiety and get more and more comfortable in social situations by learning the three skills I teach in this video.

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

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[woutermanders]

Not beating yourself up is key. Slowly do the things you are scared off: and most of all: be proud for achieving the small things! Every step towards healing is a step that counts ❤️

[dr.karidouglas]

Anxiety happens when you think you have to figure out everything all at once . Breathe . You're strong . You got this . Take it day by day .

[terrywhite]

I really wish therapists would understand that one of the biggest causes for many people of social anxiety is how people who are socially awkward are treated. People truly suck and like to make fun and bully others - plain and simple. That's not distorted thinking. It's what I face every single day as someone who is autistic. I'm the butt of so many jokes because it's perfectly acceptable to make fun of people like me.

[angelaaquino]

I kept wondering how I went from mildly anxious to total socially awkward. I am very observant that's why I think people are also scrutinizing me the way I notice little things about other people.

It's good to know that there's nothing wrong with me, just my brain adapting to my circumstances. Thanks for the actionable advice that you shared!

[skye]

Exactly what I need. Social anxiety is destroying my life. I'm planning to go to the cognitive behavior therapy this summer. Truly hope it will help because even the most simple everyday activities are hard for me. Especially when I'm making phone calls my heart is beating like crazy.

[JomarAmbiton]

I love how you say it's okay to feel uncomfortable or anxiety, it won't injure you, it's worth it to live your life.

[nomadicloner]

My social anxiety is 10000% worse than it’s ever been! And I’ve noticed it’s not just me. Thanks for validating those feelings for me

[lizbilly]

I put myself through social events and I noticed it goes down but it’s still there. The more I isolate myself the more it gets worse, it’s sucks cuz my depression makes me not get out. It’s like a loop

[abigaillove]

I have an interview w the president of my job for a new position today. I was super anxious but listening to this really helped me work through the anxiety and realize it’s not as big as I make it out to be in my head

[general_zizi]

I have struggled with mental illness and my mental health since I was a kid. Before I even knew what those terms were. After years of depression, anxiety, and even an attempt to take my life, I never thought I would be able to live without SSRI medications. I clung to them because it was the only thing that made my mind quiet, but it also made me a zombie. Microdosing has given me control of my mental health for the first time, and they essentially gave me my life back.

[freshlimejuice]

Having Avoidant personality disorder adds a new level of struggle to this issue. But you're right, I don't want to live in isolation, I want to have more in my social network. The path of least resistance here is definitely not making life easier in the long run.

[ShesMongolianASMR]

I’m 26 and married to a 47-year-old here in Germany. People stare constantly, make comments, and sometimes try to make fun. Keeping quiet and turning the other cheek did absolutely nothing.. however... Making fun of them back and laughing at them as if they shit themselves *did* work. They’d stop making comments/making fun, and suddenly get embarrassed. Basically they’d shut up and leave me alone once they realize two can play that game. I don’t like that I have to do this, but it’s seriously the only thing that’s worked. Again, keeping to myself and “ignoring” it only made them continue on. I know this is unethical and probably not the right thing to do, but it is effective to mirror their behavior sometimes because I noticed that it humbles them.

[mydinosroar]

When you have social anxiety before the pandemic, and you loved it when you had to distance yourself. But now you have to put yourself out there.

[hunched_monk]

thanks, there’s not enough good quality videos like this about social anxiety

[ultimatestar]

She's so close to 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I'm so happy that so many people are here for Emma and her wonderful guidance 😊

[broymegastudy]

I also love that you said practicing will make anxiety go down; that helps me a lot and gives me motivation to keep putting myself "out there". I appreciate these videos!

[rheannonfultz]

I fully developed social anxiety during the pandemic. It completely changed who I was. Thanks for this video!

[rosathomas]

"Bring it on!" is my go-to phrase when anxiety comes up. It backs off a little when I say it (internally).

[hamilton]

This is such an amazing and relevant video. I thought I was the only one going through this awkwardness. Thank you so much for posting all the great content you do.

[freshlimejuice]

I found it so much easier to adapt to little to no social interaction than I've ever managed adapting to higher levels of people around-pre and post pandemic