To quote Coldplay, “but if you never try, you’ll never know, just what you’re worth,” however, standing up to the fear of rejection is easier said than done.
Naturally, we all experience some butterflies when presenting ourselves to other people. Only the very few, extremely confident people have no qualms about others.
However, people who have fear of rejection have debilitating levels of stress when trying to meet new people. They are simply not able to deal with it, which has implications for their wellbeing.
When they are put into situations that require them to meet new people, they become extremely stressed. They might also suffer from high levels of anxiety as a result, that then requires help from a mental health expert, like those at South City Hospital.
However, it is not just the stress that is a matter of concern. When you close yourself off to new experiences, it then has implications for your wellbeing too. Some areas where the fear of rejection manifests is:
Job interviews
Whereas job interviews are understandably nerve wracking, but for those with extreme fear of rejection, it also has implications for their prospects as well. They either do not try to begin with, or if they do, they then come out as so nervous that they come out as an unfavorable candidate.
Negotiations
When you are not comfortable with meeting and talking to new people due to your fear of rejection, you cannot then progress at your work as well. From bargaining your salary to getting more clients, most workplaces involve putting yourself out there. When you are not able to do it, your job progress is also hindered as a result.
Romantic prospects
Dating is all about making yourself vulnerable, and thus the fear of rejection is perhaps the most profound here, as the rejection becomes more personal.
Since we all crave intimacy, therefore, closing yourself off to romantic partnerships leads to people missing out on an important component of their life.
Social life
The fear of rejection is not limited to romantic relationships, but social life otherwise as well. Naturally, when talking to people is out of your comfort zone, as you fear that they might reject your advances, therefore, you close yourself off to social connections as well.
Overcoming your fear of rejection
It’s vital that you overcome your fear of rejection, as otherwise, you limit your growth. You might fear being in the vulnerable state of being rejected, however, at times, this fear also makes you vulnerable to exploitation. Many people prey on others’ insecurities, and the fear of rejection is one such element that is often emotionally and financially exploited.
Furthermore, the fear of rejection also has a profound impact on their mental health. It makes them frustrated with themselves, and then they tend to engage in self-hate.
Also, when you are unsure of yourself, yourself, that is the signal you give to others as well. That then does not make for a good company, due to which you might then actually end up getting rejection.
Some ways to address this issue include:
Leap of faith
Sometimes, the only strategy to cope with your fears is to face them. This can also be considered a type of exposure therapy, in which you are exposed to the very condition that has you perturbed.
When you see yourself coping with it, it then gives you confidence in your abilities. So, take that leap of faith.
Endurance
Build mental endurance so that in case you do end up getting rejected after facing your fear, you are able to cope with it and you take it as a learning experience then.
Seeking professional help
At times, mitigating your condition requires that you understand why you have this thinking pattern. A Psychologist in Islamabad can help you in this endeavor, alongside giving you practical tips on how to improve.