Worried You’ll Say the Wrong Thing? You’re Not Alone”

Have you ever walked away from a group conversation and thought, “Why did I say that?”
If your brain replays what you said over and over—or you avoid joining in because you’re afraid of messing up—you’re not alone. This is really common for teens who experience social anxiety.

Social anxiety can make even small interactions feel huge.
When you’re stuck in your head, second-guessing every word, it’s exhausting. And it makes it really hard to feel comfortable in group situations—especially at school, parties, or even family gatherings.

Here’s something to remember: most people are focused on themselves, not judging you.
That doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t real—it just means your thoughts may not be the full picture. Your brain is trying to keep you safe from embarrassment by “preparing for the worst,” even when it’s unlikely to happen.

Try this next time:
Before you join a group, take a deep breath and remind yourself:
🧠 “It’s okay not to be perfect. I can just be me.”
Later, if your brain starts replaying the moment, ask:
💭 “What would I say to a friend if they told me this story?”
Chances are, you’d be kinder to them than you are to yourself.

If this sounds familiar, therapy can help you feel more confident socially.
You don’t need to force yourself to be “outgoing”—just comfortable being you. We can work together on ways to manage overthinking, reduce anxiety, and build skills for real-life situations that matter to you.

Struggling with social anxiety is more common than you think—and it’s something you don’t have to face alone.
🧑‍💼 If you or someone you care about is finding social situations overwhelming, the team at Associated Psychology Practice are here to help. To book an appointment, phone 4722-3137 or book online via www. app-practice.com.