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Social phobia / social anxiety

Social phobia, now often called social anxiety disorder, involves strong fear of being judged, embarrassed, rejected or closely watched in social or performance situations.

How it can feel

• Fear before conversations, meetings, dates, classes, phone calls or presentations.
• Physical symptoms such as blushing, shaking, sweating, nausea or a racing heart.
• Avoiding social situations, or enduring them with intense distress.
• Reviewing conversations afterwards and criticising yourself heavily.

Treatment can help

Social anxiety can improve with cognitive behavioural therapy, gradual exposure, social confidence practice and, for some people, medical support. The aim is not to become loud or extroverted; it is to feel freer and safer being yourself around others.