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Social anxiety is a fear that many people suffer from: the fear of social situations and being judged and evaluated by other people. This anxiety is something that most children suffer from in their developmental years - “shy” children, for example, are suffering from it more than others. This is completely normal, as most are able to handle it, face it, and overcome it. However, if they don’t and the fear continues to grow, the person may wind up facing a social anxiety disorder. 

Symptoms can include excessive sweating and blushing, trembling, nausea, and stammering. If intense enough, it can cause panic attacks in the individual. The biggest problem in social anxiety disorders is the self-medication that many use to get through it. Some use alcohol or other dangerous drugs to calm themselves during social events and reduce their fears. Especially if they are undiagnosed or untreated, social anxiety can lead to substance abuse, alcoholism, and depression.

Anxiety related to social situations can be genetic factors, or they can result from childhood experiences. Embarrassing moments and bullying from others increase a person’s timidness and reduce their self esteem to the point where they have no confidence in themselves. This is important for parents to address early in a child’s life so that they deal with their fears and overcome them.