Avoiding social situations to such an extent that it affects the quality of life (for example, I can’t change jobs because of fear of interviews, or I stop studying English in a group because of fear of looking awkward, saying something stupid, blushing in front of a group).

Hiding, remaining unnoticed, remaining silent, avoiding eye contact in interaction situations.

Taking a friend or relative with you to events.

Using protective behavior to avoid being noticed by others (e.g. wearing a cap to avoid being seen blushing, speaking loudly and confidently to hide your nervousness).

Using alcohol or psychoactive substances to calm down before an event.

Social Anxiety Therapy:

Compared to other professional areas, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has proven its effectiveness in treating social anxiety. CBT for social anxiety includes the following steps:

1. Cognitive reappraisal of negative thoughts that maintain the problem.

2. Behavioral experiments and exposures are tools that will help you face your fears, experience them, gain new experiences and implement them into everyday life.

3. Role-playing, social skills training will help you work through situations that you fear and avoid.