What is social phobia, and what are its symptoms?
Social phobia involves feeling very self-conscious in everyday social situations. It's worse than just shyness or nervousness, and can cause extreme anxiety. People who have social phobia may feel afraid and uncomfortable when around other people. It may be hard for them to go to work or school, where they have to interact with others. Even talking on the phone, signing a check at a store or using a public rest room can make those with social anxiety afraid. While a lot of people get nervous before they meet new people or give a speech, those with social phobia may worry for weeks beforehand or do anything possible to avoid such situations. Many people with this phobia know that their fear is extreme, yet they are unable to control it. This illness most often starts in childhood or the teenage years and may run in families. Women are twice as likely as men to develop it.

Symptoms include:
Intense fear that you will do or say something to embarrass yourself in front of other people

Always being afraid of making a mistake and being watched and judged by other people

Avoiding speaking to others or doing things you want to do because you fear being embarrassed

Worrying for days or weeks before meeting new people

Blushing, sweating profusely, trembling or feeling nauseous before and during an event at which you're with new people

Shying away from social situations, such as mingling at school events and making speeches