What You Can Do When Social Anxiety Prevents You From Being Advocate For Social Issues

The many social issues seems to be overwhelming to acknowledge them all and it seems to be too many issues to digest in this climate. Its encouraged to stand up for what you believe in any of the economic, environmental or social challenges in our Congress changes. A lot of politics lately like #DefendDACA include signing petitions that require you to call officials and senators to state you're against an action that Congress is trying to achieve. But it can be intimidating having a phone call or conversation with someone you don't know if you have anxiety. If someone suffers with social anxiety, its hard to be an advocate for social issues because it mostly involves social engagement.

Many people have social anxiety. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an incredible 18% of the population suffers from anxiety. Of those, 63% aren’t receiving treatment, and 34% of those aren’t receiving adequate treatment. Some sufferers of social anxiety assume they might only be shy, introverted or quiet; others think they are awkward or lacking in social skills. Anxiety attacks aren't always hyperventilating and rocking back and forth. Other symptoms of anxiety are also random bursts of irritability, obsessive behavior, nit-picking, hypersensitivity, pacing, silence, and zoning out. Interestingly, women are 60% more likely to suffer from anxiety than men. Always look for signs for your loved ones. Social anxiety is heritable. If your parents also are socially anxious, it’s likely you grew up thinking that fearing social situations — or masking that fear with contempt for socializing — was normal and no cause for concern. Generally, a person would think a phone call may be better than talking in person, in contrary, it can be just as much scary. Being present or willing to call representatives or senators to oppose an important cause is nerve-wrecking, intimidating, awkward evermore so for someone with social anxiety.

Everything that the legislation tries to change or "regulate" gives people more than enough things to worry about. For example, the common things we normally do on the daily basis whether it affects how we access information and generate income is at risk. Its reasonable that you may feel worried about what could happen next that can affect you and your loved ones and just basically other human beings. There are ways to help you worry less. Accepting things that you can't control can be struggle but its necessary to process any type of life-altering change. You can also check to see if your school or campus has programs or counseling groups. Your school advisor, a teacher you admire or close with can be good source to talk to. The result of you talking about anxiety in this political climate or in general can inspire you and a teacher or counselor to start your own counseling group with your friends and other students. This can be beneficial for a friend who is dealing with the same anxiety you may or may not be aware of. Learning how to manage social anxiety is just as effective.

Different types of food affects your anxiety as well as your sleep patterns. Drugs, and alcohol can make anxiety worse. Exercise, is obviously said as essential, it does helps reduce anxiety, stress and depression. And, as well as proper sleep of 7 to 8 hours is always helpful. Your body and mind tells you are lacking in sleep or stress out. For example in a episode of Lizzie McGuire entitled "Obsession," Lizzie was literally obsessed with being environmental friendly. Despite her dedication to being aware of issues in the environment is honorable, its essential to have time to relax. You have to be aware what's going on with your body and mind. Even Lizzie McGuire's dad said "You can't get anything done if you can't take care of yourself first." Make a note of what’s worrying you as it happens. Tackle those worries head on with practice like transcendental mediation. TM is more than just a "quiet time," it help reduce stress, anxiety and has cardiovascular benefits. The meditation practice involves the use of a mantra and is practiced for 15–20 minutes twice per day while sitting with one's eyes closed. Transcendental Meditation is good for people with depression, insomnia, and ADHD as well. As you take care of yourself you can tackle other things that concern you and your values. You can still be aware of what's going on with the world and schedule time for yourself. Things you can participate in helping is for example FCC just announced its plan to slash net neutrality rules, allowing ISPs like Verizon to block apps, slow websites and charge fees to control what you see and do online. Another surefire way to do be advocate is to find a way to find a phone number and send a response that gets the message across that you support or oppose a cause. If you don't feel comfortable to call your senators, you can text the word "RESIST" to a provided phone number (50409) to speak to your local representative. Other times, in your own timing and social settings, the best way to be an advocate even when you're socially anxious is to simply listen to people especially towards marginalized people. Research is just as much as being of serve to others by being informed, enhances critical thinking skills and able to evaluate people's needs and opinions, share points of view through social platforms.

I encourage you to /react-text react-text: 293 seek treatment if you suffer from social anxiety /react-text react-text: 294 . Don't self diagnose. Don’t allow your social anxiety to trap you in a life that isn’t the life you want, only because you feel you have no other options. /react-text react-text: 296 Therapy /react-text react-text: 297 can help you with anxiety and yield transformative results. Furthermore, in a study from the 1990s, it was estimated that anxiety disorders cost $42.3 billion dollars annually–amounting to $1,542 per sufferer. Your mental health is worth fighting for more than any important cause you support. Reminder: You’re going to be okay. What you are going through will pass, just remember to breathe.

Quote of the Day:

"It's okay to love yourself! There's nothing wrong with that. That's who you're supposed to love."- Zendaya

#health #feminism #humanrights