Learn to Overcome Being Shy

Are you shy? If you are shy, then you are aware that shyness can sometimes be a problem. People who are very shy, miss out on a lot of life. They miss out on relationships, on fun, and on career opportunities. Fortunately, there are treatments.

Most of us are shy on some occasions. For must of us, shyness is simply a minor inconvenience. Only about 7 % of the population say they are never shy. The rest of us are shy once in a while.

For some people, shyness is not just a minor inconvenience, these people suffer from extreme shyness that is an overwhelming problem. If you suffer from an extreme form of shyness, or from social phobia, you will have a very hard time talking with people and socializing with them. Making new friends or dating can feel like agony.

Having to socialize in work situations can feel so terrible that many shy people lose out on important career opportunities, even when they are very bright and talented.

In many cases, a very shy person may decide to deal with their problem by simply avoiding altogether any occasion that might trigger their symptoms of shyness. These symptoms of shyness may include: sweating, palpitations, light-headedness, extreme anxiety, and a feeling of being faint. At the same time, the very shy person may be tormented with terrible, self recriminating thoughts.

The very shy person is afraid of being judged harshly by others, but at the same time is judging himself very harshly indeed.

So, what can be done to help a very shy person get more comfortable around others?

First, it’s important to know that the technique of avoiding other people if you are shy is about the worst thing you can do. When you avoid other people because you don’t like the sensations of feeling shy, you reinforce the hold that shyness has on your life.

You also miss out on a chance to develop your social skills. You miss the chance to lower your anxiety by becoming more familiar with people, and worst of all, you miss the chance to expand your social circle with new friends, acquaintances, and potential mates. You can even hinder your career opportunities if you use social avoidance instead of confronting your fears.

Fortunately, there are now proven therapies that have been shown to improve the shy person’s behaviour and symptoms. Two forms of therapy that are known to help overcome shyness symptoms are cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy.

In addition, some anti-depressant drugs can also help turn off the intense symptoms experienced by people who have social phobia.

There is a lot of information available today to help very shy people get over their symptoms. With the right kind of help, which might include therapy, or simply changing your thoughts and behavior, your shyness can be greatly improved and your future can be very bright indeed.