Social phobia (also known as Social Anxiety Disorder) is a strong fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of going to work or school or other everyday activities. Everyone has felt anxious or embarrassed at one time or another. In fact, 80% of all people report that they were shy at some point in their lives. For example, meeting new people or giving a public speech can make anyone nervous. But people with social anxiety worry about these and other things for weeks before they happen. Frequently they will then want to avoid these situations.
Sometimes people with social anxiety are afraid of doing common things in front of other people. For example, they might be afraid to sign a check in front of a cashier at the grocery store, or they might be afraid to eat or drink if they believe other people are watching, or may avoid using public restrooms. At other times it may involve initiating conversations, interacting with authority figures or being assertive when necessary. Most people who have social anxiety know that they shouldn’t be as afraid as they are, but they haven’t found a way to control their fear. For some people, social anxiety is a problem only in certain situations, while others have symptoms in almost any social situation.
There are a number of effective treatments available. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, as well as medications.