How Can an Occupational Therapist Help with Social Anxiety?

Occupational Therapy and Social Anxiety

Today, I have a guest post to share from Jenny of Jenny’s Life Logic about how an occupational therapist can help with social anxiety. Enjoy!

What’s the last activity you missed out on because of social anxiety?

Maybe it was trying a new fitness class, visiting a clothing store, or perhaps ordering takeout food?

Whatever activity it was, I’ll bet it had a negative impact on your anxiety, mood, and/or self-esteem. You see, meaningful activity is essential for the emotional well-being of all of us.

An occupational therapist can help if you struggle with this. Let me explain how.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a science-based profession that promotes well-being through the use of meaningful and purposeful activities (also referred to as occupations).

An occupational therapist can help you overcome the barriers that prevent you from completing activities. Through education and practical tasks, they can provide a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future.

What are the 12 Areas of Occupation?

Occupational therapists are holistic and look at every aspect of your life. This helps them identify where activities are lacking.

An occupational therapist will assess the following areas of occupation:

• Leisure
• Creativity
• Technology
• Physical
• Outdoor
• Faith
• Self-care
• Domestic
• Caring
• Vocational
• Social
• Community

Any area of occupation can be impacted by anxiety, but social anxiety may particularly affect vocational, social, and community activities.

Why is Occupational Balance Important?

Research shows that occupational balance leads to improved well-being. It aids recovery from mental illness and provides a sense of meaning and control in daily life.

Occupational balance is reached when all areas are appropriately nurtured.

You might think this involves paying equal attention to each area.

I would assume that too.

But in reality, it means recognizing areas that are lacking and identifying which are the highest priority at any given time.

For example, if you were training for a 10k run, physical and outdoor activities would be of high importance while something like creativity would be less crucial.

Personality and values also play a role.

For instance, an introvert will need fewer social activities to feel fulfilled than an extrovert.

And, someone who values ambition and status will need to dedicate more time to their vocational needs than someone without these values.

If you feel emotionally unwell, perhaps an area of occupation has been neglected for too long?

What Are the Barriers to Occupational Balance?

There are multiple reasons why someone may not be meeting their activity goals.

This ranges from practical reasons like financial constraints and the absence of a social network to emotional reasons such as low mood and diminished motivation.

Where motivation is high, anxiety can still get in the way.

Social anxiety is particularly problematic because of the fear of judgment/failure that accompanies it.

Self-doubt, negative self-talk, low self-confidence, and a habit of avoidance may also play a role.

How can an Occupational Therapist Help?

Occupational therapists will support you through a mix of theory and participation.

Theory provides the tools needed to manage situations, while participation involves actively taking part in an activity.

It can also involve group work.

Although this may be nerve-racking if you have social anxiety, it also addresses a need for social and community interaction.

An occupational therapist can help in several specific ways including the following:

1. Assistance to reflect on current activity levels and how this is impacting anxiety

You may not be aware that a certain activity has been neglected until you consciously think about it. Sometimes this leads to an “ohh” moment when you realize “no wonder I’m stressed. I haven’t prioritized enough self-care lately.” Having awareness of this is the first step to addressing it.

2. Discussion regarding ways to better meet needs/consider new activities

It’s easy to get stuck in your own head. There, you are limited by your own thoughts.

Gaining a different perspective can push boundaries, question assumptions, and lead to a new outcome.

3. Education about the long-term benefits of activity for mental health

The charity Mind reports that activity has a multitude of benefits for mental health.

This includes better sleep, reduced loneliness, lower risk of depression, and improved self-esteem. The boost in feel-good hormones that activity produces also reduces stress.

There are so many more benefits, but you get the gist—it’s good for you! 

4. Support to widen social networks and reduce isolation

Social anxiety can limit your social circle and increase feelings of loneliness. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? A therapist can help you to build social skills and act as the social support you need to tackle activities.

5. Help to find a sense of purpose

Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning.

A study by Northumbria University demonstrates this beautifully. They found that when older people in a care home had hens to look after they experienced less loneliness, depression, and social isolation.

Having a purpose is essential to well-being. So, what got you out of bed today?

6. Reduced likelihood of relapse

Professional support identifies underlying issues. You will learn appropriate management techniques allowing you to take charge of your own health.

7. Encouragement to seek out activities independently

Sometimes we need a little nudge to act. Agreeing to do something with your therapist may be what you need to go from thinking about doing something to actually doing it.

What Specialist Techniques Can an Occupational Therapist Offer?

Occupational therapists can advise on the following:

1. Coping strategies

We all have ways of dealing with stress. (Safety behaviors anyone?!). But these coping strategies sometimes do more harm than good. An occupational therapist can help identify which of your strategies are healthy and support changing those that are detrimental.

2. Pacing techniques

Jumping in headfirst can be overwhelming. Learn to take things step-by-step.

3. Mental health education

Knowledge enables you to take control of your own anxiety.

4. Relaxation methods

This includes breathing techniques, guided imagery, and muscle relaxation.

5. Graded exposure

Graded exposure is a technique based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It involves addressing the least anxiety-provoking thing before progressing to a more anxiety-provoking aspect of the activity. Problems are addressed and overcome before moving from one stage to the next.

How Do I Find a Reputable Occupational Therapist?

The exact process differs slightly depending on where you live. In the UK, the best place to start is your GP. In Canada and the USA, your local hospital or community health care center will be able to advise you. Check the following sites for further information:

• American Occupational Therapy Association (USA)
• Royal College of Occupational Therpaists (UK)
• Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (Canada)

Always ensure that your occupational therapist is registered with a professional body such as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (UK), Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (Canada), or the American Occupational Therapy Association (USA). This will guarantee quality and professionalism.

In Summary

Remember, recovery takes a different form for everyone.

Perhaps you’re not ready to approach a therapist yet. That’s OK.

Maybe you don’t need a therapist. That’s OK too.

But, now you know what occupational therapy can offer. So, why not embrace an activity! Take a walk in nature, say hello to a shop assistant, perhaps do some volunteer work. You might be surprised what impact it has on your anxiety, mood, and outlook over time.

Author bio: Jenny is a blogger and freelance writer from the UK. Her passion is health and well-being. She has expertise in this area having studied psychology at university and trained as an occupational therapist. She is available for freelance projects and collaborations by request. Find her at www.jennyslifelogic.com.

Related Posts about Therapy for Social Anxiety

• 5 Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety
• Hypnotherapy for Social Anxiety
• 5 Types of Therapy for Social Anxiety

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How Can an Occupational Therapist Help with Social Anxiety?