Social Anxiety Disorder

 

Many people get nervous or self-conscious on occasion, like when giving a speech or interviewing for a new job. Social anxiety disorder is more than shyness or occasional nervousness.

Rather, it is an intense fear of certain social situations and fear of being scrutinized, judged or embarrassed in public. You may be afraid that people will think badly of you or that you won’t measure up in comparison to others.

And even though you probably realize that your fears of being judged are at least somewhat irrational and overblown, you still can’t help but feel anxious. No matter how bad the butterflies, you can learn to be comfortable in social situations and reclaim your life once you understand your problems and seek professional help.