Hypnosis is often touted as an effective solution for dealing with general anxiety. However, it can go far beyond that, depending on what’s fueling your fear. 

That includes helping you manage and even overcome your social anxiety. 

Social anxiety is unique in that you might be perfectly fine and calm in everyday situations. But, when you have to be around other people, speak publicly, or talk to someone new, the fear can become overwhelming. 

Obviously, that’s no way to live. It can hinder everything from your personal relationships to your career.

Thankfully, hypnosis may be able to help you overcome your social anxiety for good. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

What Are the Signs of Social Anxiety?

It’s not uncommon to feel a little nervous when you’re interacting with others – especially people outside of your immediate social circle. However, there’s a difference between those “butterflies” and feeling paralyzed with fear. 

Some of the most common signs of social anxiety include feeling nervous that others will judge you, avoiding social situations, and avoiding eye contact when talking with others. It can also manifest itself through physical symptoms. You might have difficulty sleeping, or experience nausea or dizziness. 

Sometimes, even the idea of being in a social setting can cause you to experience a panic attack. 

There are many factors that can contribute to social anxiety. Maybe you have underdeveloped social skills. Maybe there’s a family history of social anxiety. Whatever the case, if any of these signs sound familiar, you don’t have to deal with them forever. 

How Hypnosis Can Help

Hypnosis can help you deal with social anxiety in a few different ways. 

First, it helps you become more relaxed. During each session, your mind and body will fall into a deeply relaxed state. You’re still awake and fully aware of what’s going on, but you’ll have an incredible sense of calm tranquility. 

That relaxed feeling stays with you, even after each session is over. Simply having a calmer state of mind can make a difference when you face social settings. 

Second, hypnosis can help you get rid of the triggering thoughts you might often feel in social situations. As you let go of those distracting thoughts, they’ll be replaced with more positive ones. You’ll learn to be more open to new perspectives, which can make social settings less overwhelming. 

Finally, hypnosis can help to boost your social skills. Eventually, you’ll carry out certain behaviors automatically, without having to give it a second thought. If your self-confidence or a lack of social skills have been holding you back from having a fulfilling social life, this is a great way to fight against those issues. 

Why Is Hypnosis Effective for Social Anxiety?

Hypnosis doesn’t take away the impact of the social settings you find yourself in. Rather, it gives you the opportunity to change the way you view those interactions. It will help you see that they don’t have to be overwhelming or scary. 

With that change in perspective, you’ll start to feel more in control. You won’t feel the need to avert your eyes or avoid social situations completely. In addition to helping you overcome fear, hypnosis can boost your self-confidence. The more confident you are, the more you’ll speak up, and the easier it will be for a positive cycle of social experiences to occur. 

If you’re struggling with social anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You don’t have to live in fear of meeting new people or being in social situations forever. While many treatment and management options are available for this type of anxiety, anxiety hypnotherapy may be your best option.