How can you help with my social anxiety?

Social anxiety: See your pcp to discuss the problem. He/she may prescribe medication that may ease some of the symptoms &/or refer you to a therapist for counselling.

Therapy, meds: Social anxiety has been around forever, but used to be called shyness or self-consciousness. Self-help books, assertiveness training, practicing public speaking (eg toastmasters group), counseling, and psychotherapy can all help. Now that it's considered a diagnosis, there are medications too: mainly ssri antidepressants taken daily. Tranquilizers work well occasionally, watch for addiction.

Best treatment: The best treatment for social anxiety is a combination of therapy and medication. Have a psychiatric evaluation and the psychiatrist can recommend a therapist in your area to help you and recommend medications that are right for you.

Behavioral Options: See this page Anxiety Disorders Assn of BC which contains educational/self-help tools (incl. a video) for managing, even overcoming social anxiety: http://ow.ly/EXgDl Effective treatment for social anxiety will involve putting yourself in feared social situations, going from ones you fear only a little to others you fear a lot. A CBT expert coach can be big help!