Everyone has felt anxious in social situations. You’ve probably stumbled over your words while speaking to someone new, or experienced the jitters of arriving first at an event without a familiar face in sight.
For some people, this anxiety prevents them from being able to socialize without feeling distressed. They may keep canceling on friends, feel panicked before a family birthday lunch, or replay scenes in their mind afterward.
This may point to social anxiety disorder, a persistent, intense anxiety about social situations for fear of being judged negatively or humiliated.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically last around six months or longer, causing distress and preventing a person from living life and enjoying it, according to Dr. Charissa Chamorro, a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Around 1 in 9 adults in the United States experience social anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, but many put off seeking support for it. One reason for that is that people may believe their anxiety is just intense shyness or part of their personality.
