Below are eight coloring books that may be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD), along with tips on how to decide which book might be best suited to you as an individual. Best use for social anxiety disorder: Keep this book in your purse or briefcase for those occasions when you find yourself overcome by anxiety, such as when riding public transportation or after you’ve finished eating lunch at work or school. Best use for social anxiety disorder: This book contains intricate designs and would be best used for occasions when you feel the need to calm yourself after a stressful event. Coloring the fine details of the patterns can be a form of meditation to help you relax. Best use for social anxiety disorder: This book will be best suited for times when you are feeling the need for a creative outlet to set aside your social anxiety for a few minutes or a few hours. All pages in this book are printed only on one side and pre-perforated so you can remove and display. Images are less detailed than some other coloring books, allowing you to complete one activity in a sitting. Pages are also paint-friendly, allowing you to use a variety of mediums to color the images. Best use for social anxiety disorder: Choose this book if you are motivated by uplifting quotes or if you want to display your artwork (or use it for note cards to send to new friends). Best use for social anxiety disorder: The images in this book are fun and not too structured, so it is best for those who prefer a light-hearted approach to de-stressing while socially anxious. Best use for social anxiety disorder: Nature lovers with social anxiety may enjoy this book most. Best use for social anxiety disorder: Buy this book as a gift for someone you know who has social anxiety to help that person reduce daily life stress. Best use for social anxiety disorder: Buy this book for a child or teenager suffering from social anxiety disorder to encourage mindfulness and relaxation.
A Word From Verywell
Adult coloring books are not the only form of art-making that may help with anxiety. Free-form painting and clay modeling have also been shown to lead to short-term anxiety reduction. If coloring books are not your thing, try painting, pottery, or other artistic pursuits that encourage stress relief. If social anxiety is significantly interfering with your daily functioning and you have not received a diagnosis or treatment, it is important to speak to your doctor. While self-help methods such as coloring books, meditation, and exercise can help to reduce anxiety, treatments with a strong evidence base such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication are most likely to make a significant difference in your symptoms.
