Sometimes we get phone calls from our friends or family asking us to go out somewhere or do something fun and we initially feel the rush of excitement and immediately say yes! A few hours later, as the event approaches, we find ourselves feeling in a less optimistic mood, and therefore less social. Perhaps at this point you reach back out and let the person know that you’re not gonna be able to make it.

Perhaps you immediately decline a request for a social outing because you aren’t “feeling up to it.”

Or perhaps the scenario is that you have said no so many times to different people asking you to hang out that you’re no longer being asked.
Alternatively, you may have just gotten used to not going out very often so the idea of doing so seems fatiguing and uncomfortable.
No matter what your situation is, if you are not socializing and saying “no” to social opportunities more than saying “yes,” this needs to change. Why? Because socializing is very healthy and important. After all, we are social beings. We rely on others for aspects of our happiness, life fulfillment, and to experience joy.
We are, by nature, social creatures.
If you find yourself wanting to say “no” to a social outing, pause and think about the reason why. What is it that is getting in the way of you actually saying yes?
Is it fear? Is it habit? Is it depression? Is it anxiety?
Start Saying Yes

There are many reasons why people say no. But the important idea here is that you learn to start saying yes. Even if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, studies have repeatedly found that getting out and socializing in these moments can significantly improve how you are feeling and increase your quality of life. You may very well forget that you were feeling sad or down. And the thing you were anxious about – it’s likely that once you get out there and start socializing, your anxiety is going to decrease, if not disappear.

Being social is one of the best things that we can do for ourselves. It is a very important aspect of being alive, which is why for most people when they do socialize, they walk away feeling happier, joyful, or content.

If there something that is getting in the way of you saying yes to socializing, and it’s not something as simple as just turning that no into a yes, there are also several therapies that can help. Working with a mental health professional can help you to understand your hesitancies about socializing and can teach you ways to move past those barriers to get back out there and be more connected to others.

WE CAN HELP

If you struggle with socializing for any reason, we can help. Whatever the reason, give us a call or send us an email.  Remember, there are many reasons why people seek therapy. Professional mental health assistance can greatly benefit you in many ways, including making important changes in your life.

We are committed to providing therapy and counseling services in a comfortable, relaxing, encouraging, and non-judgmental environment to yield the most realistic and best outcomes.  Give us a call or email us today to schedule an appointment.

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