Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder as it is often called, can affect any teenager, but it usually associated with teens who are naturally nervous and shy.

It is an intense fear of any social situation where the teen can become so frightened by the event, that such  anxiety is induced, that the teen refuses to become involved in the situation, for example.

n  The teen suffering the phobia is aware that today is the first class of the new semester at school.

n  He/she knows that it is likely that the teacher will ask each of the class members to introduce themselves.

n  The teen recognizes that this is not much to be asked, but becomes extremely nervous at the prospect and becomes frightened.

n  The teen decides to skip attending school.

To the teenager it may seem that he/she is the only one suffering from such a high degree of nervousness, but in fact this social phobia is quite common, and whilst many teens do struggle with such social fears, the symptoms of the phobia can differ.

Some sufferers have a generalized form of the phobia and experience discomfort at any social or performance situations, but for others the social phobia is more specific and is associated with—

n  Speaking to strangers.

n  Having to attend gatherings in unfamiliar places, like meetings, restaurants, going to parties.

n  The most common fear or extreme nervousness is brought about by being asked to speak in public or to give some kind of performance in front of an audience.

Stressful Situations for Sufferers of Social Phobia.

n  Being at the centre of focus by others, and meeting new people.

n  Having to make small talk in company and become acutely embarrassed by ‘don’t know what to say!!’

n  Acute discomfort by the teen when faced with people seemingly ‘higher up’ or a figure of authority.

n  Extreme nervousness if called upon to speak out at a meeting.

n  The teen will be uncomfortable at the thought of eating out in restaurants or snack houses.

n  Will tend to shun any occasions if invited to speak in public or perhaps perform on stage.

Whilst it is quite normal for a teen to become a little jittery at the thought of having to give a first ‘speech’, for the teen suffering from social phobia, it becomes a major problem, causing anxiety for weeks ahead of the scheduled time, and the teen trying all kind of ways to get out of attending the occasion.

For a teenager, the social anxiety problem can be overcome if help is sought, and the teen makes a positive commitment to the advice given and treatment.

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