Happy Sunday all, and welcome to this week's waffle, in which we gently enquire at the 'half way' stage of the festive lead up.... how are you doing?
Are you champing at the bit to get to the next knees up? Or is it all becoming a bit overwhelming? If the latter, then please be assured - you are not the only one! Below we share some soothing words based on advice from the wonderful Dr Catherine on managing social anxiety.
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Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!
The season of joy, glitter, flashy lights and questionable jumpers. It's all so very wonderful... and 'out there'... and.... and..... and.... sometimes it all just becomes a bit much! The sensory stimulation combined with social obligations that have you mixing outside your usual 'inner circle' can really get your inner bells jangling, and not in a good way.
If you find yourself worrying a lot before, during or after social events, you may be experiencing symptoms of social anxiety.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety (or social anxiety disorder when it’s more persistent) involves a strong fear of social situations. People often worry about being judged, embarrassed or saying something “wrong.” This can switch on the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing very real and uncomfortable symptoms — racing heart rate, the sweats, mouth as dry as a desert etc. etc - none of which is conducive to letting your hair down and having fun.
First please be assured that this is very common- the human brain is wired to be vigilant to social threats (it thinks it’s keeping you in the tribe). So the moment those thoughts start creeping in, comfort yourself with the knowledge that there will be several other people experiencing exactly the same thing as you in the very same room! Leading on from this, a little honesty can become the social lubricant- it’s perfectly okay to admit you’re feeling a bit nervous. That moment of honesty can relieve a lot of pressure and often spark up meaningful conversations.
Steady on the festive tipples
Whilst we're on the subject of social lubricants, alcohol is the more 'traditional' one... And here, we would sound a note of caution. A half glass of something might help at first... but keep going and it can actually increase anxiety later and disrupt your sleep. And then there's the next morning to consider- there is a reason the term 'hangxiety' pretty much coined itself.
Bring a 'wing-person'
There's no need to ride solo- attending events with someone close who might recognise when you need a break is a great plan. You can even agree some subtle cues in advance. A temporary exit for some deep breathing and grounding techniques in the loo, the garden, a quiet room...wherever.. is perfectly acceptable, and can really help to regulate your nervous system before your next social foray.
Turn Down Your Inner Critic
Everyone has an inner chatterbox. And if you suffer from anxiety this chat is likely to be less than constructive. If you let it, it will run away on a flight of pure fancy, imagining what others might be thinking. Meanwhile, we promise... those same people are way more likely to be absorbed in their own hang ups, rather than analysing you. So it's really worth trying to distract yourself by pouring all of your attention instead on where the real action should be happening- the party itself.
Start Small
Gradual exposure is a trusted anxiety strategy. Try beginning with something easy, like meeting one friend for a short catch-up. Or you can go even smaller- micro-interactions with a barista, shop assistant, or the person on the bus all count as practice - proving to your over active brain that social situations are safe.
It's OK to say No!
Take it from us, you really are not obliged to attend every gathering, wreath-making workshop or “just a quick drink” invitation. Choose the events you genuinely want to go to, and give yourself permission to rest in between.
When to Seek Support
If these strategies aren’t quite enough, or your symptoms continue beyond the festive season, please remember: you’re not alone, and you don’t have suffer in silence.
At Winchester GP, we can offer:
• Practical advice and lifestyle support
• Psychological help, including resources for in person and online or self-guided therapy
• Medication, when clinically appropriate, for short- or longer-term support
You deserve to enjoy the festive season in a way that feels comfortable and kind to your mind — and we’re here to help you get there.
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Winchester GP team xx