how do you deal with shyness and social anxiety
It used to be a huge issue for me but not lately I don’t know what changed everyone says I’ve changed
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I’ve had this issue to some degree before the illness. I would get quiet in larger groups, especially if beautiful girls were present. But face-to-face, when it was me with only one other person, I’ve never been shy. Since I became ill, this has changed dramatically. I am now emotionless, cold like a stone and I could even talk to the president, my voice would not shake in the least.
I guess there are therapies out there who help you deal with this issue. I’ve never tried one, but you should be on the lookout. Behavioral therapy or something like that. Many people have social anxiety, it’s not shameful and therapy should help.
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For me I used to be extremely quiet and shy to everyone but then I started working at 14 just in a small quiet local shop. Learning how to deal with customers and working a till gave me so much confidence, I kept gaining more and more through chatting with customers and sometimes I’d get complimented about how friendly and kind I was! This made me believe in myself which I hadn’t much before. I’m now 17 and have a different job but still in retail and I’m the most confident person I know! I absolutely love talking to strangers and feel no anxiety about it.
Another thing which helps anxiety is time. Learning coping mechanisms that work for you, gaining wisdom about yourself. Eg. A coping mechanism for me is I have to have an escape route in every situation I’m in - I can’t be trapped somewhere. So now before doing something I feel nervous about I work out my escape route and feel safer straight away.
Another idea is to speak more with people you feel comfortable with its good practise! 
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thanks for that…its a great answer
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when I was semi-functional, I got it in my head to always speak first. That way the awkwardness and anxiety is put on them not me. I would always be the one to say hello, how are you, first. Then they talk about themselves and it isn’t on you. If that makes sense.
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Shyness and social anxiety are serious problems for a lot of schizophrenics especially when one has a low self esteem. Just keep reminding yourself the other people aren’t perfect., they have flaws. Just be yourself
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Learn to ask questions effectively. People enjoy talking about their own opinions and themselves.
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