The Huffington Post recently wrote an article which highlighted social anxiety and certain aspects of people who experience this wanted more people to know about. The Social Anxiety Institute defines social anxiety as the fear of being judged and evaluated negatively by other people, leading to feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, self-consciousness, embarrassment, humiliation, and depression.

The article outlined key points such as social anxiety as being more than the common misconception of just experiencing shyness, or appearing to be rude/distant and that it’s a long term struggle which can be physically debilitating for people. Therefore, this article wanted to provide greater awareness of social anxiety and provide people with an increased understanding from first-hand accounts of those indicating signs such as cancelling plans, refusing invitations and general social interaction avoidance. 

For more support and information:

• Please contact your GP if you feel you identify with these experiences   
• View the Mental Health Camden Anxiety self-help guide
• Visit The Anxiety UK or Mind websites, where Mind in Camden hosts weekly Anxiety Peer Support Groups for members to share experiences and support each other on Fridays throughout March
• To get in contact with support helplines, call Samaritans at 116 123, call The Mix at 0808 808 4994 or call Rethink Mental Illness at 0300 5000 927. 
• To find other support groups in your local area