...is the experience of fear and/or anxiety in social situations in which people fear they may embarrass themselves in some way.

Most people can experience some form of anxiety when in a social situation. We all know the nervous anticipation we feel when we have to stand up in front of a group to speak, or give a presentation, or when walking into a social gathering where we don't know many people there. It is part of the human experience.

There can be varying degrees of Social Phobia (Anxiety). A diagnosis of social phobia will only be given if the fear and anxiety is effecting our life to such a degree that it is limiting or depreciating our life. For instance, if we feel the intense fear and anxiety only when we have to give a presentation in front of a group, and we are not required to give presentations on a regular basis - then we may not receive the diagnosis. However, if our job demands that we are to give presentations on a daily basis, then this would be effecting our life to a great degree. This would give a diagnosis of Social Phobia (Anxiety).

We need to look at the extent to which the Social Phobia (Anxiety) is effecting our day-to-day life on all levels - work, social life, family life, our own personal sense of self. etc. To receive an accurate diagnosis, we recommend people see a health professional who has knowledge in the area of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders.

Whatever degree Social Phobia (Anxiety) affects our life, if YOU feel that it is limiting or affecting your life in a negative way, you can learn the appropriate management techniques to take back the power of your own life. Common experiences people feel in relation to Social Phobia (Anxiety) are:

* fear of embarrassing themselves in some way.
* feelings of self-doubt.
* feeling uncertain and insecure.
* fear of doing, saying, acting the wrong way.
* fear that others are scrutinizing them or judging them in a negative way.
* fear of what others think of them.
* feelings of inadequacy.

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