Socialising

What is it?

Wellbeing Tools

Socialising can trigger emotional challenges
Social pressures & fear of rejection are common
Seek support from trusted adults or professionals.

Here's more detail

Published: 26/10/23

Socialising is a fundamental aspect of life, and while it can be a source of joy and personal growth, it can also serve as a trigger for emotional problems. Adolescence is a time when social dynamics and peer relationships take on greater significance. The desire to fit in, make friends and maintain social connections can sometimes lead to stress and emotional challenges. Social pressures, such as the fear of rejection, bullying or the need to conform, can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing.

It’s important to understand that socialising should enhance your life, not cause emotional harm. If social interactions become a source of stress or anxiety, it’s essential to seek support. Trusted adults, like parents or counselors, can provide guidance and help navigate challenging social situations. Building strong communication and conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial in managing social interactions and minimising emotional triggers.

Teenager walking away from a group of other teenagers

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Many people occasionally worry about social situations, but someone with social anxiety may feel overly worried before, during and after them. Social anxiety can affect everyday activities, self-confidence, relationships and work or school life.
If you’re struggling with social anxiety, it may be helpful to try to understand more about your anxiety and what is going through your mind, to try some relaxation techniques, to break down challenging situations into smaller parts, and to try not to assume the worst. It’s a good idea to see a GP if you think you have social anxiety, as there are a number of treatments available for social anxiety.
To learn more about socialising and mental health, visit the links below.
Guidance: Social anxiety
Blog: What social anxiety feels like for me
Blog: How to manage social anxiety at school

If you are a young person experiencing social anxiety, please remember that you are not alone. I have had social anxiety since I was a child, and I understand exactly how it feels. It can affect many aspects of your life and it can feel very restraining.

Jolanta, 20

I would also avoid any social situations because I was too afraid to talk to anyone, say the wrong thing, or make a fool of myself. I would always over-analyse every single interaction, which was really affecting my social life. These little challenges were extremely difficult for me, but pushing myself to overcome them has made me much more confident today.

Jolanta, 20

When I'm around others I fog up and suddenly that wall is thrown up, my mouth goes dry, and the most I can manage is a shrug.

Taryn, 17

I love being around people and thrive on making them laugh. However, the thought of leaving the house most days fills me with dread and nausea.

Taryn, 17

Some resources that may help:

Friendships Leaflet

Leaflet with tips for building and maintaining positive friendships, encouraging healthy relationships, and building self-esteem.

Wellbeing Tools / Leaflet

Tellmi

An anonymous peer support app that provides mental health assistance, moderated by humans and age-banded for young people, helping users to connect, share, and find understanding in their struggles.

Wellbeing Tools / App

Somers Town Community Association

A dedicated youth space for ages 11-19 with experienced youth workers, offering young people led sessions and opportunities for personal and social development.

Local Services / Service Info

The Zone Youth Club

Youth Club in Islington offering after-school and evening youth club sessions for young people aged 11 to 19 years or up to 24 years for children with special educational needs.

Local Services / Service Info

Unitas Youth Zone

An independent charity with a purpose-built facility in Burnt Oak, providing a safe and inspiring place for young people ages 8-19, and up to 25 with additional needs.

Local Services / Service Info

Rose Bowl Islington

A youth space offering free youth services and diverse activities, including career guidance, in collaboration with Islington youth support services.

Local Services / Service Info

New Citizens' Gateway (NCG) Youth Wellbeing Project

The NCG Youth Wellbeing Project provides psycho-social support to young refugees and asylum seekers, aged 12-21 years old.

Local Services / Service Info

Lift Islington

A 30-station gym for young people with specialist equipment and facilities, offering personal help with education, employment, and project development.

Local Services / Service Info

Platform Islington

A creative hub for young people in Islington with many facilities, offering a range of sessions by youth workers and industry professionals.

Local Services / Service Info

Bruce Grove Youth Space

A youth organisation in Haringey offering a range of sports and activities for healthy lifestyles and promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.

Local Services / Service Info

Enfield Youth Development Service

A service suppporting young people aged 11-19 (25 with disabilities) with personal and social development via access to structured activities and nationally recognised qualifications

Local Services / Service Info

The Hive

A free wellbeing service for young people in Camden aged 16-25, offering 1-2-1 mentoring and a social hub with free activities and workshops.

Local Services / Service Info

Haringey Shed

An inclusive theatre and performing arts company for children and young people, providing a range of term time after-school activities and holiday programmes as well as outreach work in the community, working in local schools, nurseries and community centres.

Local Services / Website