The Day I Overcame Social Anxiety

I share my journey overcoming social anxiety, and how these experiences led me to create this channel and write a book. Through personal stories and strategies backed by clinical experience, I explore how to move from fear and avoidance into what I call the Warm Social World, where meaningful connections feel natural.

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I'm Dr. Thomas Smithyman, a clinical psychologist and author helping you optimize your social and psychological health.

QUESTION — Have a question? Post in the comments section of this video.

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ONLINE THERAPY
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DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for clinical care. Please consult a health care provider for guidance specific to your case.

[elliedaisy]

Dr Smithyman, I discovered this channel recently and it has been such a help to me. I'm 26 and have struggled with social anxiety my whole life, I currently find it hard just to leave the house. I'm near the beginning of the road, but your videos are helping me to get better, thank you!

[lesleybrady]

I easily relate and used excessive drinking to overcome this in past years. For me it was the fog and freeze I felt. I still feel this at times in completely new situations, and will sometimes flush red in my face and even feel really hot. I’m learning to welcome in the feelings and celebrate them moments. Not easy, yet victorious 🙌.

[Rachelllllll]

Thank you for your vulnerability and knowledge. We need more people like you.

[Jayvideos-entertainments]

Always enjoy seeing your new videos. Greetings from Australia. Dr J Gligorov

[krimmuxd]

what helps me is to look at the world with a clean slate, putting aside the past, the current news, that wont scare me from interacting with a person, place or thing. My curiosity is natural, unlocking that impulsiveness to talk to that person or check out that thing, with little to no hesitation. (Almost like a dog, an animal, if he hears a sound he will look at that direction, stare, maybe check it out and sniff that person lol - but not THAT natural)

A lot of our inner demons take over, reminding us about the PAST "oh no bro remember that last time when you complimented that girl on their purple hair they cringed and walked away? don't fking do it" or even warn us about the FUTURE "if you talk to that dude hes totally going to flirt and be creepy and make you uncomfortable af for the rest of the day"

Sometimes we have to stop making assumptions on what will happen and just try it. Because we experienced social interactions before, we are equipped with the mental tools and actions to get us out of uncomfortable situations. We know what to do or say if someone makes us uncomfortable, or a good exit stragedy. A part of us will know what to do in whatever happens.

My one obstacle right now is eye contact. I want to be able to look at someone and smile if they walk past me. its practically an invitation that if they were to talk to you you have a good presence that indicates a longer interaction can take place (conversation) but ofc, i assume this person may not be a person id want to have a conversation with later... and again this all doesn't make fucking sense its a natural fear where I look away when someone looks at me, meanwhile i do want to make more friends :U Weird.

Acknowledging the demons (the anxiety, the depression) is the first step, baby steps after that.

Anyways, fucking congratulations dude fr you are part of the human experience and you are now helping us become part of it again too <3

[unrulyworkbench]

At 2:45 you mentioned therapy. Where did you obtain that particular therapy and is it still available? Thanks in advance

[prettyprudent]

It’s interesting how he, and most of these “therapists” don’t mention the fact that high doses of Vitamin B1 and Benfotiamine will (nutritionally) resolve anxiety in short time. I find it rather devious of him. 🌺