Public speaking or walking into a room full of strangers isn't exactly thrilling for everyone. Everybody knows the feeling of being nervous or uncomfortable in a social situation. If you've ever clammed up when meeting someone new or gotten sweaty before making any kind of public presentation, you may be experiencing symptoms of social anxiety.

WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY?

Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the world. An estimated 13% of U.S adults experience social anxiety at some time in their lives. According to the US national comorbidity survey, this mental health condition affects 15 million American adults every year.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by the persistent fear of one or more social situations that involves any kind of public performance in which the individual is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The best way to describe this condition is that the individual usually fears that he or she may act in a way that will be embarrassing and humiliating.

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

People with social anxiety typically may be aware that their anxiety might be irrational; their fears may not be based on facts and might not always make sense. Nevertheless, thoughts and feelings of persisting fear can become chronic and constant for the patient. The individual may experience physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms that can affect his or her daily life and social relationships in huge proportions. 

Physical symptoms include dizziness, trembling, excessive sweating, stomach trouble. Emotional symptoms could lead to panic attacks, negative emotional cycles, and nervousness. The most remarkable and frequent behavioral symptoms is the habit of avoiding social situations and spaces that involve any kind of socialization. Becoming isolated may trigger other underlying issues, including substance abuse and excessive drinking.

CHILL, THERE IS TREATMENT! 

Social anxiety disorder is a treatable condition that can be overcome with effective therapy, commitment and patience. Researchers have shown Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be an effective and successful type of psychotherapy. The American Psychological Association defines CBT as a ''system of treatment involving a focus on thinking and its influence on both behavior and feelings." CBT focuses on changing the patients thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behavior as they relate and normalize social situations. 

Social phobia treatments might also include various relaxation methods to relieve the symptoms such as mindful meditation, acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Research suggests that the use of anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's), buspirone, beta blockers, and other anxiolytics, used in conjunction with CBT have been beneficial.