AKFSA

The Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety is proud to announce a 15-year $750,000 grant to the @FCMichigan to significantly help the funding and growth of the Friendship Circle’s @UMatterMichigan program which focuses on teen mental health. More: bit.ly/AKFSA_Statement

Some see spending time alone as a tell-tale sign that an individual is lonely or depressed. However, @PsychToday shares the importance of setting personal time aside in healthy amounts. Read more: bit.ly/2r1o9hj

Holiday parties, while great for gathering with friends and family, can be a very stressful time for those of us with Social Anxiety. In a recent @NPR article, learn how to master the art of the holiday party – all cheer, no fear. n.pr/2ExeYrP

New studies have shown that lack of sleep can boost anxiety levels up to 30%. Without necessary rest, our brains don’t have the capacity to regulate our emotions. Learn how poor sleep affects your mood and tips on getting the sleep your mind deserves: bit.ly/2Rivi7A

For many of us, job interviews can be stressful & anxiety-inducing. Learn how to use this anxiety to your advantage so it doesn’t hinder your potential and ways to manage your thoughts, throughout the job interview process: bit.ly/2Rf9utx

Mental & physical health go hand-in-hand. A recent study found that exercise, even just a brisk walk around the block, can promote neurochemical brain responses & be an effective treatment for depression. Explore which activities might work best for you: bit.ly/34UtUfa

If you’re living with SAD, you may have had family or friends insensitively ask, “why don’t you just talk more?” or comments like “who cares what everyone thinks!” Explore other irritating & potentially relatable experiences, as told by Zariah: bit.ly/2OF2HYl

Social anxiety is more common than ever before. This increase is particularly alarming for youth, as SAD could impact their ability to form strong relationships with peers, and impair their blooming sense of identity. Read more from @psychologytoday: bit.ly/2XPJ6rA

In a bid to reduce social anxiety & pressure brought on by social media, Instagram announced it will no longer publish the total amount of likes for each picture. The change hopes to lessen comparisons & improve self-perception. bit.ly/2KS8o2Y

Dreading the annual holiday office party? ABA Journal’s Asked and Answered podcast tackles how to navigate the office holiday party and come out of your shell when you’d rather be alone. Check it out here: bit.ly/2KRbnbZ

The holidays may offer time to gather with family & connect over a meal, but when living with SAD, this idea may seem more overwhelming than fun. Research, though, shows sharing a meal with loved ones can have lasting health benefits. More from @nytimes: nyti.ms/2rnVkvd

At one point, you’ve probably experienced a seemingly unmanageable episode that makes you want to retreat and cancel all the plans you have, even on the holidays. Grace Victory certainly has. Read how she manages her social anxiety (and how you can, too): bit.ly/2Da8qyY

Although SAD is the 3rd most common psychological disorder in the U.S., some of us may not know all it entails. You may be terrified of public speaking while others experience embarrassment when eating in front of others. SAD affects us all differently: bit.ly/35rJbUU

The crowded classrooms, busy hallways & constant commotion of college can be especially stressful when living with SAD. Always remember, you’re not alone in this battle. Fellow student, Sakhile, chronicled her challenges, & they might just sound familiar: bit.ly/2XoL41I

Alas, the holidays are almost here! While some people are overflowing with holiday cheer, those of us with social anxiety may struggle this time of year. If holiday parties bring you fear, read 3 helpful tips to get you into gear: bit.ly/32TQkvz

Therapy: for some of us, it can be difficult to navigate the ins & outs of the system or find the courage to make an appointment, and for Dorothy, many factors played into her resistance. Read why she initially opposed, but later accepted, treatment. yhoo.it/33pa2An

Dating can be stressful & downright scary, with or without SAD, & it’s often a challenge to meet up with potential love interests. @Mandatory suggests a few ways we can put our true selves out there & calm our nerves before a causal hang out or date night. bit.ly/33o8qqx

Going off to college can give anyone anxiety. For those affected by SAD, the challenge can become even greater. In an article by @HBCUBuzz, we learn several strategies that can be used to ease into campus and make long-lasting connections: bit.ly/322kVGy

Social anxiety can wear many faces. From mild to severe, symptoms of SAD affect everyone differently. In an article by @PsychToday, we take a look at 5 commonly overlooked symptoms of SAD, along with misconceptions. bit.ly/2pq66jS