Helllp I’m suppose to attend a company dinner tonight but I’m thinking of skipping it cause social anxiety
H e l p
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Opt out.
It’s a voluntary social function.
No one needs to know why. You have an extremely valid reason to not go.
People opt out when they have kids all the time.
This is for your mental health.
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Yeah, I agree with @Kxev. Just tell them that you can’t make it. They don’t need to know why.
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I wouldn’t go either.
Very stressful
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I don’t have to show up at any in person function at work thanks to HR knowing about my mental health issues. It’s wonderful.
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As someone who’s struggled with this before, go.
These are not voluntary as they pretend to be. It is very much critical to your job security to attend. Even if you have to leave after an hour, an appearance means everything.
This is especially true if you live in the USA. You might have more leniency in other countries with a better work culture.
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I think it depends on your position and work culture as far as appearances go.
Plus covid changes everything.
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I didn’t think of that, but yes, if pressed, bring up covid. That’ll likely shut up any inquiries.
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Why not take the chance and go? Itll be exciting. Either way i wouldnt worry about it.
This might be a bit late. But I recommened showing up briefly and saying hello to everyone, then if you are feeling uncomfortable, just leave. Even if you were only there for 20 mins it is still useful.
I used to have to go to the Christmas party each year
Luckily they paid for our own hotel rooms
All I did was show up for the meal, and then pick my time to disappear without saying anything
Worked every year
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When I meet up with friends I have to binge drink. It sucks. People that I’ve known for a long time trigger my anxiety. I don’t know why??
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I used to have to do things like that too. Company dinners, parties, golf.
I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore.
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Update: so I went but my “social battery” only lasted two hours and I was the first to leave. Atleast the
Food and drinks were free.
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You dealt with social anxiety for two hours. 
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