Faulty Thoughts

Everyone has a daily flow of thoughts. However, for a person suffering from social anxiety, these thoughts tend to be faulty. Faulty thoughts is a term I use to describe the fearful thoughts racing through our mind, telling us bad things are going to happen in a normal social situation. Examples of fearful thoughts can be found at the bottom of Assess Your Fears.

It is very important to understand your thought process, so if you haven’t recorded your thoughts in a thought diary, return to Assess Your Fears and do so now.

To change your faulty thoughts into more realistic and constructive thoughts, follow this guideline:

• They must be in your own words
• They must be directly related to your situation. If blushing is the concern, a new thought about sweating won’t work.
• They must be realistic. Use the phrase: I am confident and calm. Not: I will not have any anxiety.
• They must be short and to the point. Thoughts are so fast, you have to master the new thoughts so they are second nature and automatic when you have to use them.

This book is an excellent tool to help with your negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, on your journey to overcome social anxiety. It is great to go back and read through every once in awhile when you get off track.