What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia. It is an excessive fear and avoidance of social situations. A person with social anxiety may fear things like being:

• judged
• criticised
• humiliated

It's normal to feel shy or nervous in situations that are new or challenging. This can include meeting new people or giving a speech.

But social anxiety disorder happens for ordinary everyday situations, such as:

• eating in public
• speaking in public
• being watched while doing something

You may feel that you will embarrass yourself in these everyday situations.

What are the symptoms of social anxiety disorder?

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include:

• feeling anxious in social situations
• dreading or avoiding social events
• feeling self-conscious around others
• replaying social situations on repeat in your mind after they have happened

Social anxiety disorder can also cause physical symptoms like:

• a fast, pounding heartbeat
• sweating
• dizziness
• trembling
• upset stomach, nausea and diarrhoea
• blushing or stammering when speaking
• chest pain

If you have social anxiety disorder, you may worry that your symptoms will cause you further embarrassment.

Safety behaviours

If you have social anxiety disorder, you may have 'safety behaviours'.

Safety behaviours can make you feel more comfortable and help you cope in social situations. However, they do not help you to overcome your social anxiety. They can prevent you from recovering.

Safety behaviours can include:

• always using headphones when catching public transport
• only attending social events if there is alcohol available
• only attending events if you are with someone
• avoiding speaking in social situations

What causes social anxiety disorder?

Many factors can contribute to social anxiety disorder. Some things can increase your chance of developing social anxiety disorder. These include:

• if you have a family history of social anxiety disorder
• if you were very shy as a child
• if you have experienced bullying

Social anxiety disorder is common in Australia and often starts in childhood.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you may have social anxiety disorder, seek help from your doctor. They can refer you to a mental health professional.

It can be difficult to talk to your doctor about mental health. You can ask a friend or family member for support. They may be able to help book an appointment for you. You can also ask them to go with you to the appointment.

If you are not ready to seek professional help in person, you can:

• see if your appointment can be held online or telehealth
• ask your doctor about local peer support groups
• use mental health helplines

How is social anxiety disorder diagnosed?

A mental health professional can diagnose social anxiety disorder. They will ask you about your symptoms.

You can be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder if your symptoms have caused you distress for at least 6 months.

How is social anxiety disorder treated?

There are different treatment options for social anxiety disorder.

Therapy

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with psychological therapies (talking therapies). This can help you:

• understand your anxiety symptoms and why they happen
• teach you relaxation techniques
• change how you think

Therapy can help you manage your anxiety.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy. CBT helps you to notice and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. It usually takes between 8 and 12 sessions.

Medicines

Medicines such as antidepressants may help with severe social anxiety.

Medicines are not used in children with social anxiety who are under 6 years old.

Living with social anxiety disorder

If you have social anxiety disorder, fear of being embarrassed or judged can impact your life. You may avoid social situations and events. This can:

• affect your personal relationships
• make you feel lonely
• make school or work more difficult

There are ways you can manage your social anxiety.

• Write down things that cause you anxiety — you can discuss them with a mental health professional.
• Set yourself small goals — this can help you overcome things you are anxious about.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle — eat well, exercise and sleep well.
• Avoid smoking, drugs and alcohol.
• Try mindfulness.

What are the complications of social anxiety disorder?

If you have social anxiety disorder, you may be at higher risk of other mental health problems such as:

• depression
• another anxiety disorder
• alcohol or drug misuse

Without treatment, the impact of social anxiety disorder on your life can get worse.

Can social anxiety disorder be prevented?

If you feel anxious in social settings, speak to your doctor. Getting treatment early can help prevent social anxiety disorder from developing.

Resources and support

To find online resources to help with anxiety and overcoming social phobia, you can visit:

• Beyond Blue for information on anxiety management strategies — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
• MindSpot for free mental health assessment and support — call them on 1800 614 434
• Black Dog Institute to use their MyCompass self-help tool
• ReachOut for mental health support for young people

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

Languages other than English

For information in languages other than English, visit the Embrace Multicultural Mental Health website.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

You can find support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the Medicare Mental Health website.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.