Free Yourself From Social Anxiety 

As a US Army Veteran who went to war in Afghanistan, I am diagnosed with social anxiety and depression. The root is mainly comparing myself with others and having to deal with my emotions about the state of the world (greed and war). It definitely is a battle. I cope through meditation and music. Although I consider myself as a healer, sometimes, messages like this give me that boost to continue living a beautiful life and to keep living my purpose. Truly, we are all one. Thank you for this video Russell.

JUDGEMENT. That is definitely what instantly comes up for me when I think of my social anxiety. Fear of judgment.

Social anxiety sucks. It get to the point where you are so hypervigilint that you judging yourself more harshly than anyone else ever would. You end up being your own worst critic (especially when it is caused by being bullied as you look for all your flaws, problems etc before anyone else can point them out) and it stops you from living. I'm still working on me so thank you for this video, it helps.

I've had social anxiety my whole life. I don't any more because I learned how to work with my heart frequencies and subconscious reprogramming. I stopped trying to avoid my feelings but instead observed them when the anxiety came up without judgment and without the need to suppress pain...simply observed and in those moments of being the observer I was no longer playing out a program that caused me anxiety, I was observing the program instead and from there insights were born and I figured out technique work to eradicate the childhood abuse issues, addictions etc. and step into the power of my immortal and all powerful spirit. So in a nutshell Russell gets it and we thank you brother Russell.

I have social anxiety and it's crippling. Thank you so much for this. I have tickets to see you tomorrow in Glasgow and it's already scary but one I can't miss, been a fan for 20 years. So thankful for you, appreciate you Russell. 🙏❤

Its powerful how you are holding spaces for all types of conversations Russell 💚

You have a beautiful soul. So kind of you to show your own vulnerabilities and how you cope. Helps those of us dealing with the same things realize we're not alone. You seem very real. 🙏❤️

I've got bad anxiety...OCD.. issues with being assertive..the list is endless..nice to find people who can relate..had major drug and drink problems over the years to try and escape how I feel constantly 😩

When this happens to me I try to remind myself that we are all walking around worrying about what others are thinking of us. I believe this is so common that for the most part, we are all walking around thinking about ourselves most of the time. So when I feel anxious about going out I say to myself "Just like you, everyone there will be concerned what I think of them more than they are thinking unflattering things about me" Thank you for sharing your insight. It helps everyone.

The thing is we met garbage people in the past that spewed garbage on us and now our mind is full of garbage and we are now afraid of meeting other people that could abuse us, being loving and surrounding urself with loving ppl will heal u

1. I have ADHD and I know I’m going to do something awkward, say something without thinking, forget someone’s name, or repeat a story I’ve told 1000 times before either from forgetfulness or obsession or both. I may also wiggle it make noises under my breath without knowing. It’s hard to accept that I am a walking ball of annoyance to some people. 2. When I make a mistake, I fear that I have no ability to fix it. Either people won’t tell me but talk behind my back-something that happens less often than I think but more often than it should-or when someone IS honest with me my great difficulty in regulating my emotions and fear of rejections will mean I don’t take it in stride or correctly listen and validate someone sharing gentle correction of something that bothers or hurts them. Failing to receive someone well in this, whether they are right or not, always makes it worse. It’s just a giant weight some way. The only way I’ve found through is to truly accept that some people just won’t like me, and that I WILL fail, because I’m human. And people may not forgive me, and They aren’t required to. This acceptance is the work of my life.

Recently I've learned to separate myself from my thoughts, I was not able to see the difference and always thought of myself as my thoughts so the bit where you talked about observing your thoughts before reacting or suppressing them really resonated with me. To anyone reading you and your mind are separate things❤

Fear does seem to be the key. It doesn't help that we're in a world where we are constantly told we're not adequate if we don't have this or that product or do this or that activity. I know with myself it's often a feeling of not knowing what to say around people, not having a lot in common.

*Want to heal the mental & physical effects of social anxiety?* It requires a mixture of both the body-based and mind-based approaches - finding a way to release the internal charge which 'collapses inwards' into that tense feeling, and also finding ways to sort through the cognitive level of distortion and tension. Working both healing angles at once. Top-down and bottom-up. It's really possible, but it does take daily practice - thank you putting these videos out, Russell!

It helps to realize we're all the same. Everyone is struggling with something and we should be kind to others. If you see miserable, grumpy people we shouldn't take their words or actions personally. I think they're struggling with problems and don't know how to handle things so they lash out.

You always seem to hit it right on the mark. I struggle daily with anxiety, feeling it coursing through my body. Thank you for posting.

I can’t even walk to work in the mornings because of my anxiety. Have been trying to look within to figure out why but haven’t gotten there yet. Thank you so very much 💜

just want to take this time to appreciate all you do Russell. You are a Light and a shining Beam to us all and a pathway and an escape of this mad world we live in. I love both of your channels, especially this one. Thank you for all your work

Thank you so much for this video! Keep letting God shine through you my friend.

I have a stammer and social anxiety - I'm aware that part of the reason I stammer is because I judge myself and also projection judgements upon other people, plus I put myself into a hole and others high up onto a pedestal. When I meet people now, I'm consciously trying to bring them off the pedestal and take myself out of the hole and see myself and them as equal to me, not above nor below.

Keep sharing this beautiful light! 🙏

Right on time message. Thank you 😊 agape

Just what I needed. I feel freer after listening to this. Thank you dear Russell for talking about it with such clarity 💛🙏💛

Thank you Russell for this very insightful video. I grew up feeling anxious around most people in my life, and it lasted till l was in my 40’s, now it is a lot milder but still there. It doesn’t cripple me like it used to, but l think it helps that l don’t see my family who is over the channel, as l have never managed to feel comfortable and relaxed around them as a group. It is one thing being anxious around strangers, but another when the anxiety is strong around those we should feel secure with, those we were born with . Going to live in another country has really helped... but if l think of meeting my family at their yearly reunion in France, l just panic...l don’t want to be there, feeling inferior, criticised, or ignored because they don’t understand who l am and l don’t understand why they are still acting the same way they were 20 years ago. If l can change, then they will be obliged to change as the balance will be different. The idea of going to Russell’s show only triggers a mild anxiety, because l am guessing others who do like him will be very nice persons! Driving there with nutter drivers around will require more calm...

“We are all one part of the same living garment “ ♥️♥️♥️beautifully said Russell 🙏🙏🙏

I think your a genuine nice bloke. I met you very briefly in Torquay. I came to your show. Loved it. Thank you for all this great info you give us. Barstads ain't they.

The society imposed on us that we have to be in each other’s faces all the time, whether we feel like it or not, through our jobs. Most people on top of that also do jobs that they don’t care for, which means that the people that they will have to hang out with at work are usually people they have nothing to very little in common with, people that they wouldn’t naturally, willingly bring to their circle. It is our nature to be together, as you say, but just not with people who are not in our vibration, and who are imposed onto us. Hence where the social anxiety comes from, the social imposition created by our survival based economic paradigm. It reached a point in my life, where out of survival and self preservation (literally so as to preserve my integrity and mental health) I personally had to choose between a really well paid job where the environment, and most of the people in it, were the most toxic, and a substantially less paid job (where I am actually seriously underpaid) but where the working environment and the people are substantially better and healthier. I get less social anxiety now, but I also cannot afford much else beyond the living basics now. A paradigm that forces people into these kinds of choices is no society, and certainly not a “civilisation”, it’s simply Orwell and Dante together, it’s dystopia. People fear dystopia when facts are that it is already here, it has been forever now. That’s what life on this planet has been, perfectly dystopian. Hence also why so many people turn to drugs and alcohol.

Thank you for so gently coaxing people to take interest in themselves and each other. We are social animals like you said, these videos are very helpful.

💕💕💕 Thank you, it’s clear you really care about this. I think the lack of trust between us is the biggest issue. If we trusted that we were going to be good to each other we’d all be so much happier.

A week ago; I had one of my worst anxiety/panic episodes that I have ever had (which says A LOT), brought on by insomnia; that lasted for 4 days... I can't express what these kind of videos means to a person like me 🙌 God Bless ❤️

More more PLEASE, give us more of This!!! Thank you! 🙏🏼🌷🧘🏼✨💖

Yes, please address depression and finding joy in the everyday mundane aspects of life.

I love this channel Thank you Russell

Some animals express social anxiety too. Probably based on early experiences. Some people walk in a room full of strangers and feel elated and ready to make almost effortless contact. Others feel totally crushed and have to work hard constantly to compensate. Early programming both externally and internally biologically through dna creates these feelings. All states are valid to the universe. May we all be healed and at peace.

Hello Russell thankyou very much for sharing this video thankyou thankyou I really needed this Russell brand I love you very deeply Russell. Russell iam 26 years old from Australia. Russell this was a very powerful and deeply moving video I needed to hear this. I do have generalised anxiety disorder. And I do feel anxious around other people sometimes even with family members events. Russell thanks for sharing your story about your pepper pig tour I do hope your friend that couldn't come is OK and I hope that your friend watches this video and it helps her. and Russell brand I feel you deeply spoke to me when you said What is it what is that has been bothering you your whole life. I think for me that has been bothering me it is my core Wound is the Adandonment Wound and the empty hole that my father left me when I was 2 years old. Russell I have felt unlovable and unwanted since then that I did something wrong to make him or anyone else leave me and my life. Russell brand I am a Survivor of domestic violence from my dad and his wife and iam five and a half years out of that but I still feel traumatized by that. Russell I took my father to court at 21 that was a trauma that bothers me. Russell brand I think the deepest reason I feel anxious about social event and when iam with family members even is cause my whole life I have been searching and wanting my fathers approval and I never got it and now my father is slowly dying from terminal brain cancer and he doesn't wanna see me. and Russell brand now that my dad is dying I with ever get to see him again or talk to him again.and Russell I think the deepest core within me I feel iam unlovable. Russell could you please do more videos on this beautiful RU-vid channel about death and grief and how to cope with losing a absuive absent father..and could you please make a video about rejection from a parent or father I still feel this core Wound feel strongly and deeply. Russell yes loneliness I think is a very important topic to talk about always. I can understand how the covid 19 lockdown would have made people feel more anxiously about social interactions worse because we were all in lockdown for a long time then the rules about masks kept changing..Russell God bless you thankyou for talking about this

Thank you for this video. I feel this is for most people and for someone to open up and explain in such detail is a blessing. I appreciate what you do for everyone around the world.

Many thanks Russell your a star 🌟

We are much more alike than different. Thank you for this wonderful message Russell.

These programs teach us how to understand ourselves and how to behave and forgive. I love what my life looks like at 53 due to these programs. They work if you work it!!❤🙏

I adore doing breathwork with you Russell. For me, taming the breath always has positive results.

There are potential threats everywhere, unless you are naive and lying to yourself. Ignorance is bliss. Also, a lot of humans are depressing reminders instead of the potential opposite. Trauma is difficult to be free from. The defining person that destroyed my life is my father, but there will never be any accountability or remorse. My mother was not any better. I figured most things out when I nearly died the first time like 20 years ago. If I’d just had some money then I woulda been fine but since I didn’t had to keep relying on my father who was only going to treat me a certain way even after I got disabled by the meds they forced me on. And that was the beginning of the end. But I think the sleep dep and psychological abuse was worse than the forced drugs. Anyway, people like to think in absolutes but it’s always more complex. Usually everything is happening at once and people don’t like to think that way. You get wisdom from surviving suffering. I don’t know what I’m on about. It’s all futile.

Love ya Russ, keep being you.

This is a beautiful place, thank you all for commenting. My social anxiety was active as soon as I started reading comments - (expecting ego arguments) but soothed rapidly with these wonderful views, words and balanced well natured and nurtured discussions. Warms my heart and dissolves my pains.

Thank you Russel! I'd love to listen to your thoughts about managing heartache. Romantic as well as dealing with the end of friendships and familial relationships (whether it's death, losing contact, etc.). The advice to observe the tumultuous emotions vs immediately attaching to them as parts of identity; powerful. It's easy to react and say "Oh I *am* so awkward" Or "Those people look like they don't like me.." ETC Instead of the truth of "I FEEL so awkward" and "I think those people don't like me....and that's ok". It's actually bringing me back to the CBT I've been working on with my child. Truth in not knowing what's in another person's head and our guesses shouldn't shatter us into inaction. I have thought it interesting that for me, I gain great comfort from mantras about knowing nothing until I let Jesus into my heart. Now I trust that God exists and I also use grounding techniques but the idea of truthfully never knowing all the answers is a relief. Taking the burden off of oneself when you are uncertain. Lack of trust is a big part of my anxiety, but also the energy it takes to handle social situations (ASD). I forget to use tools like listening to music, having a fidget...it feels embarrassing and that's where I fear judgement. Most of my life I was also used to taking avoidance after an uncomfortable situation. I would ignore others and put up a cold front if I felt uneasy. As a parent I cannot do that. I have to help my child engage and I feel I am a failure because I don't know how. I've been lucky enough to have people approach me. But being honest that I am learning as well helps.

Thank you 🙏 I think sometimes the notion of 'social anxiety' is a projection. Yes, humans are social beings overall but we're also an evolving species. I suspect there are some members of humanity who are designed to be less embroiled socially in order to observe. These types become our monks, shamans, theoretical scientists, philosophers, hermits, artists, weird ones, innovators, etc. They are often called 'shy,' 'awkward,' 'aloof,' and sometimes we tell them they have a problem or even an illness because they're different and don't go along. This can make them feel anxious, question themselves and try to behave unnaturally... but without this function they serve, society might not see itself objectively and therefore may be less likely to recognize a need for change and growth; and all the many opportunities to expand.

good point Russell. It takes a Village...🥰 yeah so true, We prepare our food there is 1 small store, with post office on one side and, Heather"s cafe' on the other side of the same building. There is no stop sign or stop light. Nostreet lights, just the stars and moon. Very little junk food, avoid packaged food almost at all costs..... It def. has an effect on the brain

My social anxiety predates covid, going back to my teens. Living in a self enforced shutdown I was amazed to see a worldwide epidemic of my symptoms and survival tactics. Decorating my cocoon, reading,painting, gardening, cooking, nature, animals, crafting and my savior meditating.

Hi, Mr Brand. I enjoyed your video. I only came across the term ‘social anxiety’ a few years ago (2?) after I started listening to all these meditation tapes. I have always been really quiet, not sure what to say to people. It’s fun just going to a park, and saying hi to someone. If no one can think of anything to say, they just go on their way. Two times, I had friends Insist I come to an event. One was a party where I knew no one. One was Thanksgiving. In both cases, I ended up in the corner petting the family dog. I always felt abandoned when the dog left, happy when he returned. I sorta think a lot of the way I am is my mom not allowing me to go anywhere. Literally, nowhere. No movies with friends. Nothing. School. Home. (Not blaming her. Just saying.) So I’m not really sure what people talk about who don’t go to the same church, or know the same people. I have always been curious about this. You must know lots of people. Did any of your friends ever go out with someone not from their circle of friends? What did they talk about? I think it would be interesting to know this. Anyway, working in restaurants is fun. You get to meet lots of people. You know what you’re supposed to say, in the beginning. Later, you might become friends. And, of course, sometimes I have really good online friends. But I’m really curious what folks Talk about who don’t know each other’s friends or Pastor. Maybe you will have time to answer this someday. Anyway, thanks in advance 💖

Much love and light to you. I’m grateful for you sharing. I’m ordering your book today! I’m so ready at 51 to level up. 💚💚💚

Russ mate I swear the way you articulate things is on another level! Great vid as always

Team Empaths🌻and seers 👁🪐💫✨

Good morning, thank you! Yes the big part of it. Is being judged. People have a tendency to make wrong assumptions of others. Mainly due to the fact that there is a basic outlook that everyone people are put into certain groups. Personality types A , B etc. Or people think if you look a certain way then you are must be this. And the constant profiling is totally out of hand. We have way to many " experts" that have this black and white view of people. They seem to think because a person behaves a certain way then they think that others will behave the same way. Just because they fit into a certain category. Everyone is different even twins. People don't belong in categories or labelled.

That nature on behind represents the whole channel! Keep up the goo work 🌞

What a beautiful video. Nice one Russell.

I LOVE how you change the back ground screen!! Lol that's funny lmao thank you Russell

This channel can help you. "Dream Lover Nature Therapy". I wish you all the best❤❤❤❤❤

We really appreciate what you do Russell. Also on your main channel. Thank you for allowing us to follow you on your journey. Namaste 🙏🏼

This is beautiful. Thank you Russell! ❤

Having 35 years of experience working with anxiety. One aspect is sensitivity. Picking up on things you can’t control or see. Essentially your awakening a 6th sense however because your resisting and refusing to accept it because you can’t physically define what your sensing. We live in a world that only approves physical reality. Drink etc is also a way of avoiding it and shutting it down. So yes meditation proper diet helps a lot. However the deeper aspect of that is tuning into yourself and listening to yourself. Connection with the divine and honouring what your truly picking up on is the key to release. In the end the anxiety will be your biggest teacher.

Appreciate your giving voice to humanity's intrinsic needs for cooperation, community & purpose; even as the necropolitics of neoliberalism continues to metastasize around the world.

Wonderful outfit Russell, very much a "mystic guru" look !

I sense it's bc I don't have the energy to put on a front for people anymore.. but we live in a society that expects us to perform social niceties or risk baring the brunt of others disdain. So socialising then equals exposure to people's disdain. However, in God's Light, I know I am loved and perfect and I just bless every interaction as it occurs... its been life changing. Source is love and we are all of Source ♡

I express so much gratitude for the work Russell Brand does. I have told no end of my clients (I'm a counsellor) to listen to the meditation for anxiety. I did it myself again today too. It's spot on and so in tune with what it is to be a human..

I’m wishing everyone who clicked on this channel nothing but LONG LIFE & PROSPERITY💰☀️🌎 ~Much Love from a Law of Attraction RU-vidr💜

What a beautiful video. Thanks Russell!

Topics of recommendation are lonliness when a female is single, over fifty and no children, also dating when we have difficulty trusting in an intimate relationship. Thank you🙏❤

Thanks Russell, as always agree with everything you said. I'd like to hear you talk about spiritual anxiety, the fear of what is beyond. It's not often discussed

Great job dear Russell! On one channel you are giving us anxiety with daily news about corporations f... us together with our gvmnts and here you are healing us with meditation:))))) you give us the problem and the solution. Cheers

Anxiety is logical in a crazy world.

I needed to hear this.

Thank you russ really needed this, I always feel it going into social situations and cancell out before going to parties because I freak out so much

I like this part of you. Let’s continue this journey.

We must stay & be united to see it thru teaching & building ourselves up to be stronger so when we get pushed down we bounce back right away or better yet block & deflect all that would cause anxiety/stress to illnesses so we can remove that from our lives because we all deserve to be happy and free! Free from all that would want to cause us to be unhappy, in our selves or each others lives too!

These are great Russell 🙏🦄🙏 Hope you see this comment 0n your side channel, my comments are ghosted on your main channel. Dont worry,,its not you,,its me😊🙏🦄🙏,,much love to all,,vibe on vibe up 🙏💞🙏💫🙏🦄🙏

Social anxiety controls and has destroyed my life. I’ve tried to face down this giant but have failed each time. It ruined all my relationships and prevented me from being me. I can do anything…but not around other people. At 65, it’s too late for me. I wish there was an answer.

You have it right together we are better love and unity

Some people are just introverts. They get energy from being alone and that’s hard for extroverted types to understand but it’s a real thing. When I go out, an hour or 2 later I feel exhausted due to energy vampires. They always seem to find me.. drawn to me like a moth to a flame. People are nosey as hell, I like being a wall flower and observing others in their natural habitat

Russell, you really are doing a beautiful thing on this earth. Gripping, thought-provoking, and awareness-inspiring. I always leave your content with more than I arrived. Thank you for sharing! Thank you for being you.

Always loved you russ. you speak my calling

Keep posting and sharing your thoughts, experiences and advice my friend. You've already made a huge impact on how I'm now looking at life and what needs to change within our society and within ourselves. You are appreciated. Stay well.

Also the likelihood of me saying something ridiculous is high, the likelihood of hearing something that will annoy me also high.

We are One.

Love these videos and this side of Russell!

This is such a great description and breakdown of social anxiety as it stands now. As a yoga teacher and long time yoga practitioner, we are never ‘finally OK’…. It is a constant work in progress, a daily effort, as circumstances constantly change around us. Both personally and globally. It is that reminder that we see things as WE ARE, not as they are….

I am now 39 years old. The last almost 12 years, I have been able to go outside maby once a month for no more than 1-2 hours a month. Some month I don't leave my house at all. But I am free.

I have always felt uncomfortable at social gatherings. I never went to a cafe or a night club. When I was a kid and walked in the park, I felt anxious when I saw strangers. I am perfectly capable of holding a conversation. I believe these emotions have shaped my life more than anything else. Sure, I can suppress it for a while, but it always shows, and it makes the other side uncomfortable too. (Or at least this is what I think). I wish I was just relaxed all the time, but I feel that if I relax and let my guard down, something regrettable is going to happen.

I came along to your live show in Edinburgh last night. I was excited to find out how you were going to combine comedy politics and spiritual stuff. I have to say it was a fantastic experience. Really lovely to end on meditation. I had never meditated in a big group before and it added something powerful .... nice work Russ.

I have autism and adhd so it's an uphill struggle....

I sometimes try to disregard Russell as a ‘wannabe Jesus who doesn’t know what he’s talking about’ even when Ive actually been a fan for years. I think perhaps it’s just I don’t want to acknowledge that actually when I take the time to LISTEN and not judge then I find the things he talks about as truthful and it’s evident that he wants to help others. Thank you Russell, keep up the good work mate ❤

Thank God for you Russell. You are truly a blessing; especially during these screwed up times we're living in. Keep on keeping on, brother!

Thank you, Russell Brand. I am listening to that book, Jamaica Inn. Good book!

I love your ability Russell!!!❤

Thank you, Russell ✨🙏🏻

Why love to see more about managing social anxiety please

The easiest choice for weeks “SUB” fantastic idea… you opening tone is instantly soothing and for me having a moment of reflection can be difficult but subconsciously I know your passion for a digestible future whatever that means…

I got social anxiety because I don't trust people. Most don't like me anyway and when it comes to money, people expect me to be a bank. I'm good by myself.

"I don't just make this stuff up"😂 Love your humour Russell ❤️

People are Awful People Make no sense and they are determined to stay that way no matter how much counter sense you throw at them. Trust is a Major issue.

Hello there. 🙋‍♀️ My social anxiety is caused primarily by my social awkwardness. Like... After three years in a bubble I sincerely just am having a very hard time reintroducing myself to society. Disconnecting was the smartest thing I ever did. Because after some time it became clear to me that not everything within me that I struggle with is coming FROM me. Which I was able to see and understand by doing what you said, becoming aware of own thoughts. I have posted similar comments and they have gotten deleted in the past. Which frustrated me until I realized, at the very least it helped me to see some things a little clearer through writing my thoughts down and getting them outside of my head. I hope this one will get to stay. 👍 I truly believe all of this is energy and frequency related. I still don't quite understand how it all works, but one thing that became abundantly clear when I learned to recognize my own energy, was that there are times other energies are present that are not my own, but are still impacting mine. And I want to say it's when I allow them to, but that isn't always true. At times it is. I have come to recognize certain frequencies to steer clear of that seem to have a very quick and profound effect on my energy... But then there are other times I have no idea where the hell it's coming from.. Only that it isn't mine. And being that I am naturally very sensitive to energy, and have separated my energy from what is not coming from me, I am untra sensitive to every energy around me in a social atmosphere now. And being that there is an overall negative energy that seems to be just about everywhere now a days that makes socializing very difficult for me. Because I won't participate, but rather do my best to resist that negative flow as much as possible, causing me to not be very well liked by much of anyone. I think sometimes people take me as high and mighty or something because I wont participate in their reindeer games... But the Truth is I just wanna keep my own head above water, and giving in to the atmosphere almost always ends in me getting sucked down emotionally to a place I don't want to dwell anymore, and have spent the last couple of years clawing my way out of the hole it threw me into in the first place. I would rather be hated and misunderstood by everyone in the world, than have to face one more day looking in the mirror questioning my own value and worth, and despising the person looking back at me in that mirror. Making peace with myself healed conscience and set me free to be myself, to love myself, and to accept myself as perfectly imperfect, in a world that is far from perfect for anyone. There is no one, and nothing in this world that I would trade that for. Because I HAVE to live with me every day, like it or not. 😆 The more I like it, the better life seems to be. 👍

This message by Russell just hit 🎯 home for me. 30 years at multiple shrinks appointments, no cause. This video I'm alone from fear of loss. It makes sense now.