Social anxiety disorder involves an excessive fear of social situations where one might be negatively evaluated or judged by others. People with social anxiety are fearful that they will embarrass themselves in front of others, or be seen as stupid, foolish, or boring. As a result, they will often avoid a number of situations, including:
- Talking to strangers
- Initiating or maintaining conversations
- Participating in classes/meetings
- Socializing with others/going to parties
- Being assertive
- Talking to people in authority
Some people with social anxiety disorder are particularly anxious when completing daily tasks where they might be evaluated by others, such as writing or eating, and will avoid doing this in front of others. Although it is normal for some people to be shy, social anxiety is more severe, and can lead people to miss out on opportunities in life (such as school, jobs) and become socially isolated.
