Social Phobia Research
Social Phobia is a condition in which a person is exceedingly shy or uncomfortable in normal activities with groups or even single persons, This condition might only extend to conditions such as anxiety if a speech or demonstration has to be made before a group or gathering. This could also happen when performing in a play or playing a musical instrument in front of an audience. Almost every person has some nervousness when making a speech to a group, or meeting a crowd of new people, but with a person affected with social phobia, it could cause the person to avoid the situation whenever possible and at other times be terribly distressed from the ordeal.
Treatment is to do the thing you fear, and do this at every opportunity. For example, take a course from the Dale Carnegie Company that teaches how to overcome fear of public speaking, or join the Toastmasters which meets once a week and each member has a speaking assignment at every meeting. Take every chance that comes along to speak before a group. What people fear most is the possibility that they may fail or make an embarrassing mistake. Preparation of the speech will give more confidence to a person than anything else. If a person's problem is meeting new people, then take every opportunity to meet strangers. Always remember that the stranger may be just as nervous as you are so make them as comfortable as possible which will decrease your uneasy feelings. With people who are severely affected with social phobia it may require counseling from a psychiatrist.
