Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a disorder characterized by intense anxiety in social situations causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some parts of daily life. These situations may involve scrutiny or judgment by others. A person with SAD experiences considerable distress in everyday social situations, such as attending a social... (read more)

SAD is the third largest mental health care problem in the world today (after depression and alcohol dependence), affecting 7% to 8% of the population at any given time, with a lifetime prevalence of about 13%. An estimated 19.2 million Americans have social anxiety disorder. SAD most often surfaces in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any time, including early childhood. (read more)

People with SAD commonly have many comorbidities. These include depression, other anxiety disorders and phobias, alcohol abuse and suicide. (read more)

People generally find success in their recovery when they embrace an attitude of willingness, which includes the willingness to do the work, be open to new ideas, venture beyond their comfort zone, and take responsibility for their own recovery. (read more)

Starting with an attitude of willingness, there are many paths to recovery. Each of these paths, individually, has the potential to help you to overcome social anxiety. Used in concert, they have a synergistic effect. (read more)