Social anxiety: signs and how it differs from shyness
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, lasting fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, strong enough to make you avoid them or endure them with great distress. It is more than shyness, and it is treatable with talking therapy, medicine, or both.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Signs in how you think and feel
- fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated
- worrying for days before a social event
- going over conversations afterwards and criticising yourself
- fear that others will notice you are anxious
Signs in your body
- blushing, sweating or trembling
- a racing heart
- a dry mouth, nausea or a shaky voice
Signs in what you do
- avoiding parties, meetings, classes or phone calls
- staying quiet, or avoiding eye contact
- leaving events early
- turning down opportunities at work or study
Shyness or social anxiety?
Many people feel shy. Social anxiety is likelier when the fear is strong, lasts for months, and limits what you do at work, in study or in relationships.
Treatment
Talking therapy, mainly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helps you face feared situations step by step. A psychiatrist may also suggest medicine. Starting early makes it easier to treat.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is social anxiety common?
Yes. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and many people live with them for years before asking for help.
Can social anxiety go away?
It often improves a great deal with treatment. Avoiding situations tends to keep it going, which is why therapy focuses on gradually facing them.
Can I get help online?
Yes. Therapy and psychiatric assessment can be done by video, which can be easier if social situations are hard.
Related
- Social anxiety
- Anxiety disorders
- Anxiety therapist online
- How to support someone with depression
- Gambling disorder: signs and where to get help
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.