Overview

Social anxiety is intense anxiety and fear of being judged, evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. Individuals with social anxiety may worry about acting or appearing visibly anxious such as blushing, stumbling on words, or being viewed as awkward or boring. As a result, these individuals will often avoid social or performance situations that will cause any amount of significant anxiety or distress. Those with Social Anxiety Disorder often find it more difficult to complete school, interview and get a job and have friendships and romantic relationships. Social Anxiety Disorder can disrupt everyday activities and individuals may feel that social situations are so strong that they feel it is beyond their control. People with Social Anxiety Disorder may worry about things for weeks before they happen and end up staying away from places or events that they think might have to do something that will end up embarrassing them. Some people with this disorder do not have anxiety in social situations but rather in performance situations such as giving a speech, playing a sports game, dancing, or playing a musical instrument.

People with Social Anxiety Disorder are also likely to have co-occurring disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder or Substance Abuse Disorders.

Symptoms

· Blush, sweat, tremble, feel rapid heart rate, or feel their “mind going blank”

· Feel nauseous, or sick to their stomach

· Show rigid body posture, make little eye contact, speak with an overly soft voice

· Find it scary and difficult to be with other people, especially with those they do not know

· Very self-conscious in front of other people and feel embarrassed and awkward

· Very afraid that other people will judge them

· Avoiding places where there are other people

Additional Resources

Social Anxiety Activities 

Tips for Living with Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety in Children