I like to think I have learnt to cope with my social anxiety.

I can talk myself down from most panics.

I know what sets me off – lack of sleep, job interview post-mortems – and I can avoid these things.

But there are a few lingering effects. Behaviours that I think are tied into social anxiety, though not exactly manifestations of it.

For instance, I find it very difficult to concentrate on anything on the day of a big social event. Even if I’m not properly anxious, just a little nervous.

Today:

Only 418 words added to my novel.

I have two parties to go to.

Still, at least now I have recognised this weakness, I can try to plan around it and try to do chores instead of activities requiring higher-level brain functions!