Human beings are meant to be socialable with one another. Thus, when we interact with other people, we are fulfilling a basic human need. However, there are those who suffer from social anxiety disorder or social phobia in that they experience severe anxiety, tension, nervousness, and sometimes panic attacks in social situations.

Let’s look at a few examples of situations that a person with social anxiety disorder would avoid at all costs. They may include such activities as entering a room full of people, or being introduced to someone new. Either of these activities would be quite nerve racking, because it would cause that person to be the center of attention. They may feel that people are judging them, which would cause them to feel self conscious and embarrassed. This results in their avoidance of social gatherings altogether.

Many sufferers of social anxiety report that they are scared to leave their house, or they fear going out at night. They have the desire to make friends and interact with others, but just the thought of doing this can bring on severe waves of stress and anxiety.

And to do any kind of public speaking or even speaking one-on-one, or in front of a small group–forget it! It is common for people to feel some degree of nervousness or anxiety when dealing with public speaking or interview situations. However, for people with social anxiety or phobia, it’s impossible because of the fact that they would be the center of attention. Again, they would feel that they are being judged or criticized, and the embarrassment, fear, and nervousness would just overwhelm them to the point that it would become an impossible task.

Individuals with social anxiety are generally perceived as shy, quiet people, since trying to be heard by others or joining in on a conversation, or even asking a question, is something they feel anxious about. Just the thought of doing this can fill them with dread. And if they do eventually work up the courage, the result is often quite awkward — blushing, stuttering or stammering, or just making up an excuse to leave and get out of the situation as soon as possible.

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, can take over and possibly ruin a person’s life all together. There are plenty of individuals in this category, but thankfully there are numerous of ways to treat the symptoms of social phobia or anxiety. No one needs to live with this debilitating problem.

If you, or someone you know, suffers from social anxiety, social depression, panic attacks, or social phobia, you can read about some of the most effective approaches and techniques that can reduce and even eliminate the debilitating effects of the nervousness and tension associated with social interaction.

Tags: anxiety, anxiety stress, attacks, causes, depression, fear, panic, phobia, social anxiety, stress and disease, symptoms

This entry was filed under Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Fear.