Social Phobia

Social phobia is a real illness that can be serious. Maybe you think your fear is just a part of who you are. And you may think you can't change the way you feel. But there is a name for your fear. It is social phobia. It's not your fault if you have this illness, and you don't have to suffer. Social phobia can be treated with medicine and therapy.

If you have social phobia, you are very worried about embarrassing yourself in front of other people. Your fears may be so serious that you cannot do everyday things. You may have a very hard time talking to people at work or school. Your fear may even keep you from going to work or school on some days.

Social phobia usually starts when a person is still a child or teenager. It is rare for it to start after a person reaches their mid-twenties. Anyone can have a social phobia, but more women than men have the illness. It sometimes runs in families. Without treatment, social phobia can last for many years or even a lifetime.

If you have social phobia, you are not alone. Over 5 million Americans have social phobia. If you have social phobia you should talk to your doctor about your fears and worries. Tell your doctor if these worries are keeping you from doing everyday things and living your life.

Ask your doctor if he or she has helped other people with social phobia. Special training helps doctors treat people with social phobia. If your doctor doesn't have any special social phobia training, ask for the name of a doctor or counselor who does.

A doctor may give you medicine to help you feel less anxious and afraid but it may take a few weeks for the medicine to work. Talking with a specially trained doctor or counselor helps many people with social phobia. This is called therapy. Social phobia therapy helps you become more comfortable in social situations. There is definitely hope for those with social phobia as evidenced by this patient's story:

"In school I was always afraid of being called on, even when I knew the answers. When I got a job, I hated to meet with my boss. I couldn't even sit and have lunch with my co-workers. I worried about being stared at or judged, and that I would make a fool of myself. My heart would pound, and I would start to sweat when I thought about meetings. The feelings got worse the closer the event came. Sometimes I couldn't sleep or eat for days before a staff meeting.

A friend told me to call the doctor. I'm so glad I did. My doctor gave me medicine that helps me feel less afraid around people. It is hard work, but a counselor is helping me learn to cope better with my fears in social settings.