If you fear situations in which you are around other people, to the point that you avoid such encounters or endure them with intense and distressing feelings of being scrutinized and judged by others, then you may have social anxiety.

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People with social anxiety often believe that there is something wrong with them, that they are “weird” in some awful way that they must hide from others. Holding such beliefs can lead to overwhelming feelings of shame about oneself.

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Social anxiety can interfere with work, school, dating and relationships. For some people, even everyday activities such as riding public transit, eating in a restaurant or standing in line to buy groceries become challenging and distressing events. 

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With treatment, you can learn to overcome your anxiety and to even enjoy social situations.

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Clinical psychologists have the training and experience to properly assess and treat social anxiety. 

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The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) recognizes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the "gold standard nonpharmacological treatment for social anxiety disorder". You can read more about it on the CPA website.

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Sometimes, it can even be hard to admit to someone else that you have social anxiety and that can make it challenging to get the help that you need. If you think that you suffer from social anxiety, please take that first step and contact me.