Symptoms of Social Phobias

Social phobia involves feeling very self-conscious in everyday social situations. It is more than just being shy or nervous, and can cause extreme anxiety. A person can feel afraid and uncomfortable when around other people. It may be hard to be at work or school, when you have to interact with others. While many people with these phobias know that their fear may be extreme, they are unable to control it. They often worry for days or weeks in advance of a situation they are dreading. This illness most often starts in childhood or the teenage years, and may run in families. Women are just as likely as men to develop social phobia. Other anxiety disorders or depression often go hand-in-hand with this phobia. Some people also turn to alcohol or drugs for relief.

Symptoms include:

• Intense fear that you will do or say something and embarrass yourself in front of other people.

• Always being afraid of making a mistake and being watched and judged by other people.

• Avoiding doing things you want to or speaking to people because you fear being embarrassed.

• Worrying for days or weeks before you have to meet new people.

• Blushing, sweating a lot, trembling, nausea, or feeling like you have to throw up before and during an event where you are with new people.

• Staying away from social situations such as school events and making speeches.

• Drinking alcohol to make your fears go away.

People who have social phobias most often know that their fears don't make sense. But, even if they manage to face what they fear, they can still feel anxious and uncomfortable. Social phobias can be treated, helping a person have a full and healthy life. Not getting treatment can cause a person to make decisions that will affect their personal life. Go to the question on how are phobias treated for more information.