How do you go to a bar with social anxiety?

Asked by: Ashton Schulist  |  Last update: September 9, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (74 votes)

Pairing up with people you trust can definitely help ease social anxiety — even more so if you give them a heads up with a quick text or call saying, "Bars can be a little stressful for me. Can I tag along with you for the night?" If you don't know anyone, all hope is not lost.

How do I get over social anxiety at a bar?

What Can Help With Party-Related Social Anxiety?
  1. Resist the Urge to Cancel.
  2. Come With Conversation Starters.
  3. Vow to Speak to Multiple New People.
  4. Don't Drink Too Much.
  5. Wait for the Anxiety To Pass.

How do I go somewhere with social anxiety?

Gradually introduce yourself to anxiety-inducing situations

“Then work your way up to going out with a small group of friends.” Repeat as needed until you feel more comfortable before attempting to go to a restaurant, a bar or a party where there would be more people.

Is alcohol bad for social anxiety?

Even a moderate amount of alcohol can impact a person's mood and anxiety levels. Chronic alcohol misuse can also make it difficult to seek treatment for both your social anxiety and alcohol use disorder and interfere with the effectiveness of your therapy or medication once you've begun a treatment plan.

Should I go to a party if I have social anxiety?

Coping with anxiety about parties starts with deciding whether or not it is reasonable for you to attend. Make a point of not overbooking yourself. If you already have something planned for the day of an evening party, it's OK to decline another invite, especially if you think that it is more than you can handle.

3 Ways To Conquer Social Anxiety at Bars, Clubs, & Parties

27 related questions found

Is social anxiety an excuse to be rude?

Unfortunately, this is often the case for people with anxiety. Their mental health disorder causes them to act in a way that appears inappropriate or rude to others. However, the person is only reacting to their symptoms. Before thinking poorly of them, be patient and ask if everything is alright.

How serious can social anxiety get?

Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends.

How do I stop being shy without alcohol?

5 Tips for Managing Social Anxiety Without Alcohol
  1. Educate Yourself. One of the most empowering strategies for dealing with any form of anxiety, is to learn as much as you can about what anxiety is and how it works. ...
  2. Understand that You are Not Alone. ...
  3. Practice Mindful Breathing. ...
  4. Check in With Reality. ...
  5. Face Your Fears.

Can social anxiety be cured?

While experiencing social anxiety can be scary, the good news is that it's treatable. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what you're experiencing. The sooner you get help and treatment, the sooner you'll feel better.

Why does alcohol make my social anxiety worse?

This is because alcohol disrupts levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can worsen anxiety. Anxiety symptoms that occur after drinking can last for several hours or even a full day after drinking. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as hangxiety.

How do I loosen up socially?

How to stay calm in social situations
  1. Take your time getting there. Running behind or feeling rushed can exacerbate the social anxiety you already feel. ...
  2. Breathe very deeply. ...
  3. Pretend like they're all good friends. ...
  4. Practice relaxing in social situations. ...
  5. Ask the right questions. ...
  6. Focus on the external.

Why am I socially awkward?

In many cases, social awkwardness comes from extreme anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 12.1% of U.S. adults experience a social anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.

How do I stop being scared of socializing?

5 Methods of Overcoming Social Phobia
  1. Force yourself to go participate in social situations. ...
  2. Ask the people around you questions about themselves. ...
  3. Practice deep breathing in social situations and when you are alone. ...
  4. See a therapist regularly. ...
  5. Try neurofeedback.

What not to say to social anxiety?

What Not to Say to Someone With Social Anxiety
  • Why Are You so Quiet?
  • You Just Need to Think Positive.
  • You Just Need to Face Your Fears.
  • I Know How You Feel; I'm Shy, Too.
  • Why Don't You Have a Drink to Loosen Up?
  • Let Me Order for You.
  • Wow, Your Face Just Turned Really Red.

How do I calm my social anxiety before going out?

Recite a soothing mantra

Remind yourself: "I am not alone. Other people feel anxious and awkward in social situations, too." Just repeating those words, she says, can stir feelings of warmth and compassion for yourself and others. Ebba say she often talks herself through her anxiety.

How do I stop being weird at a bar alone?

How to Go to a Bar Alone: Tips, Rules, and More
  1. Pick a bar that'll suit your vibe.
  2. Go before the crowd shows up.
  3. Choose your seat when you arrive.
  4. Order a drink.
  5. Loosen up with your first drink or two.
  6. Bring some entertainment if it's a chill night.
  7. Enjoy some people watching to trigger interactions.

Does social anxiety count as a disability?

Anxiety disorders fall under the umbrella of disability. If you are coping with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and are unable to work, you may qualify for assistance.

Is there a pill for shyness?

First choices in medications

Your health care provider may prescribe paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft).

Do anxiety pills work for social anxiety?

Sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and venlafaxine ER (Effexor XR) are FDA-approved medications for social anxiety disorder. Non-medication treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups, may be helpful in relieving anxiety symptoms.

What does alcohol do to introverts?

That's not to say that introverts don't become lonely sometimes, and desire interaction. During such times, alcohol offers effects such as the lowering of social inhibitions, and numbing of harsh outside stimuli. All of this can make it more enticing, as a way to make reaching out to others easier.

How can I be socially confident without alcohol?

Here are five simple habits that you can implement today:
  1. Use positive self-talk. ...
  2. Intentionally socialize without drinking. ...
  3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. ...
  4. Practice self-care. ...
  5. Remind yourself that others' opinions of you do not matter.

What alcohol is good for confidence?

It says that different alcohols produce different emotional responses in drinkers. If at the end of a long, hard working day you wish to relax, it is best to grab a beer or red wine. But if it is liquid courage and a desire to feel good about yourself, go for gin or vodka or a peg of whiskey.

Who is most at risk for social anxiety?

You're more likely to develop social anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings have the condition. Negative experiences. Children who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety disorder.

What age is normal for social anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder typically starts in childhood or adolescence. Among individuals who seek treatment as adults the median age of onset is in the early to mid-teens with most people having developed the condition before they reach their 20s.

Should I push through social anxiety?

While it may seem impossible to overcome a feared social situation, you can do it by taking it one small step at a time. The key is to start with a situation that you can handle and gradually work your way up to more challenging situations, building your confidence and coping skills as you move up the “anxiety ladder.”