Social anxiety at Northern Voice 2010
Slide from Kimli Welsh at Northern Voice 2010
The hour is late, so I will share one story that really sticks with me. It’s the story of blogger Kimli Welsh – creator of Delicious Juice Dot Com – and how she used cognitive behavioural therapy and social media to overcome her social anxiety.
“I’m terrified of each and every one of you,” Kimli told us. “But it’s not you guys; it’s my thoughts.”
Kimli’s stories stood out because I relate to them. I, too, have bought tickets to events and then chickened out of going at the last moment. And, like Kimli, I’ve also made some great connections with people thanks to Twitter.
She described social anxiety as “an overall bummer” that “makes you miss out on a whole lot of fun.” True that, in my experience.
Social anxiety affects 1 in 8 people
“It’s been estimated that social anxiety affects 1 in every 8 people, and can range in severity from uneasiness in social situations to a debilitating fear of the unknown,” reads Kimli’s write-up for her talk at Northern Voice.
“Learn how to use Social Media to overcome your terror of the unknown. Get out of your comfort zone! Take on new challenges! Weed out the crazy to forge new friendships and the exciting times that are rightfully yours!”
She also suggested we reassure ourselves with this positive affirmation: “No one here is cooler or more important than anyone else.”
Over and out.
A wonderful session and a great post. Interesting just HOW popular her sessions was. Perhaps social anxiety is, in fact, the norm. Nonetheless, Kimli, is an inspiration.
I was all the more impressed by this talk because just the act of getting up there was tough for her, yet she carried it off a hell of a lot of style. Plus, her button pruduct (Smuttons) are so awesome! I told my Mum, who is a retired family therapist who used cognitive therapy daily in her practice, about this lecture, and she was so excited by the possibilities! It’s an incredible case study, and she’s so adorable: who wouldn’t love Kimli?