How do I deal with feeling invisible in social situations?

Feeling invisible in social situations is deeply painful and can make you question your worth and place in the world. This experience often stems from social Anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, or past experiences where you felt overlooked or dismissed. You might find yourself standing on the periphery of conversations, feeling like others look right through you, or believing that nothing you say matters enough to contribute. Sometimes this invisibility becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - when you expect to be ignored, you might unconsciously withdraw, speak more quietly, or avoid eye contact, which can make others less likely to engage with you. Social Anxiety disorder can make you so focused on not saying the wrong thing that you end up saying nothing at all. The managing fear of judgment or rejection keeps you in observer mode rather than participant mode. Start by challenging the belief that you have nothing valuable to contribute - everyone has unique perspectives and experiences worth sharing. Practice making small contributions to conversations, even if it's just asking questions or expressing agreement. Work on your body language - make eye contact, stand or sit up straight, and position yourself within the group rather than on the edges. Remember that most people are focused on themselves and aren't actively trying to exclude you. If you consistently feel invisible in certain social groups, consider whether these are the right people for you or if you need to find communities where you feel more naturally included.