Mrs.
Reena Tripathi
AnxietyDepressionStress
16+ years experience
New Delhi , Delhi
Condition Guide
Social Anxiety
Ease the fear of being judged and feel more present with people.
Overview
Social anxiety is more than a preference for quiet or occasional nervousness. A social anxiety disorder involves strong fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations, often leading to avoidance or intense distress. It may affect conversations, meetings, classes, dating, eating in public, or presentations. Shyness alone is not a diagnosis. A clinician looks at how long the fear has been present, how much it limits daily life, and whether another mental-health, developmental, medical, or substance-related concern may be contributing.
Important medical informationThe signs on this page can have different causes. Only a qualified health professional can assess or diagnose you. Do not start, stop, or change prescribed treatment based on this guide.
How Therapy Helps
Treatment is collaborative and paced. CBT can help identify unhelpful predictions and safety behaviours, while planned, gradual exposure can help a person practise situations they value without relying on avoidance or excessive reassurance. Sessions can also address self-criticism, practical communication goals, and coping with physical anxiety symptoms. Exposure is not forced and should be planned with a qualified therapist. A prescriber, not a therapist alone, should assess whether medication is appropriate for you.
Common Signs & Symptoms
You might be experiencing one or more of these symptoms:
Strong dread before calls, meetings, dates, parties, or presentations
Fear of blushing, shaking, sweating, stumbling over words, or looking awkward
Avoiding social plans, staying quiet, or leaving early to reduce anxiety
Replaying conversations afterward and criticizing small things you said or did
Assuming others are judging you harshly, even without clear evidence
Using safety behaviors like rehearsing excessively, hiding, or over-apologizing
About this guide
Published by the TherapyHelps editorial teamLast updated: This guide provides educational information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or emergency care.Urgent support: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, at risk of self-harm, or experiencing a medical emergency, call 112 in India or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not rely on TherapyHelps as your only source of urgent help.
Related condition guides
Explore concerns that can overlap with Social Anxiety.
AnxietyUnderstand worry, calm your body, and feel more steady in daily life.DepressionFind support for low mood, numbness, exhaustion, and loss of motivation.RelationshipsCommunicate clearly, repair trust, and feel safer in connection.OCDReduce intrusive thoughts, rituals, reassurance, and avoidance.
Specialized Therapists
Our qualified counselors and mental health professionals with experience supporting Social Anxiety.
Dr.
Dr. Basant Singh
AnxietyDepressionTrauma
10+ years experience
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Consultant Psychologist
Priyanka Saha
AnxietyDepressionTrauma
8+ years experience
Kolkata, West Bengal
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