The ability to navigate everyday social interactions can frequently present significant challenges for many individuals that are struggling with a mental disability. Individuals with such problems may be unable to stop themselves from thinking about things that make them uncomfortable and upset – but sharing these thoughts in social gatherings might be inappropriate. Individuals may worry that they stick out because they are unable to fully participate or devote their full energy to the occasion.
Frequently, individuals with a mental disability will expect their diagnosis to cause awkward moments in social gatherings, which, in turn, makes them nervous. This causes tension whilst spending time with friends and family. So, how can we break the cycle of these unwanted interactions and become more comfortable in our daily social situations?
Small Talk
Although small talk may seem like a trivial social interaction, it has an undeservedly bad reputation. Small talk is conversation with little risk. It allows people who do not know each other well to connect on a surface level that offers something like an emotional buffer because you are interacting, but not in any way that is liable to hurt feelings or cause tension.
If you are a person dealing with a mental disability in a social situation, small talk is a way to participate without needing to get into your feelings. Before you go into the situation, give some thought to potential small talk subjects. However, it is critical to remember that you do not have to be the life of the party in most social situations. As long as you are polite and responsive, you are already doing a fantastic job at communicating and interacting with other individuals.
Smile
In a group setting, even if you do not feel up to talking, you can often get away without talking too much if you keep a smile on your face. Do not worry about your smile looking fake. In most situations, most people really cannot tell the difference between a genuine smile and a forced smile. The physical act of smiling activates a response from your brainthat can temporarily elevate your mood. This is a really helpful method that can get you through a boring or awkward social situation more easily. People tend to notice smiles, even when they are not consciously thinking about it. Even if you cannot bring yourself to talk, people who see you smiling will remember you as being positive.
Prioritizing Your Feelings
If an individual is keen to try interacting socially, they can simply even begin by saying hello to someone and talk about the latest movies or a book that they are reading. You do not need to tell everyone about your diagnosis right off the bat. We also tend to sometimes forget that that it is also fine to limit your social interactions during any timewhen there is a significant stress on your mental health. You can always say “no” to invitations, or put in a short appearance and then leave if necessary.
Do not feel bad if you cannot deal with extended social situations at any point in time because you have to do what is best for your own mental health and prioritize how you feel.