Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of social or performance situations where you might be watched, judged or embarrassed. It goes beyond shyness. It can lead to avoiding everyday situations like meetings, parties, phone calls or casual conversations, and it can limit work, study and relationships.
Social anxiety is one of the most common anxiety conditions and responds well to treatment. This page covers what it looks like, what tends to cause it, and how it’s treated.
What are the symptoms of social anxiety?
Emotional & cognitive
- Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated in front of others
- Heavy worry before, during and after social situations
- Assuming others are noticing or judging you negatively
- Fear that visible signs of anxiety, like blushing or shaking, will be noticed
Physical
- Racing heart, sweating, trembling or blushing in social situations
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- A blank mind, or difficulty speaking
Behavioural
- Avoiding social or performance situations altogether
- Getting through situations with significant distress
- Over-preparing for or over-analysing interactions afterward
- Using alcohol or other substances to cope with social situations
Social anxiety can be specific to certain situations (like public speaking) or more generalised, affecting a wide range of everyday interactions.
What causes social anxiety?
There’s rarely a single cause. It tends to develop from a mix of factors.
Biological factors
Genetics and temperament, including a naturally heightened sensitivity to social evaluation.
Learned experiences
Bullying, humiliation or critical social experiences, particularly earlier in life.
Family patterns
Growing up with a parent who modelled social anxiety or was highly critical of social performance.
Life transitions
Social anxiety often intensifies during periods that require more social exposure, like starting a new job or school.
How is social anxiety treated?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Widely considered a first-line, highly effective treatment, addressing both the underlying beliefs and the anxiety response.
Exposure therapy
Gradually and safely practising feared social situations. One of the most effective parts of treatment.
Social skills work
For some people, building specific skills and confidence in social interaction is a useful complement.
Acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT)
Building tolerance for the discomfort of social situations while re-engaging with activities and relationships.
Social anxiety tends to respond particularly well to structured, exposure-based treatment, and many people improve.
When should I see a psychologist about social anxiety?
It’s worth reaching out if you’ve noticed:
- Persistent, intense fear of social or performance situations that’s hard to control
- Avoiding situations (work meetings, social events, phone calls) because of that fear
- Physical symptoms (blushing, shaking, racing heart) in social settings that cause distress
- Social anxiety affecting your career, education or relationships
- Using alcohol or other substances to get through social situations
A GP can set you up with a Mental Health Care Plan under Medicare’s Better Access scheme, which covers a rebate for a set number of psychology sessions each year.
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Get matched with a psychologistFrequently asked questions
What’s the difference between shyness and social anxiety?
Shyness is a common trait involving some discomfort in social situations, but it doesn’t usually cause significant distress or avoidance. Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear response that limits daily functioning, work or relationships.
Can social anxiety go away on its own?
Social anxiety tends to persist, and often worsens, without treatment, because avoidance reinforces the underlying fear. Structured treatment, particularly CBT with exposure, has strong evidence for reducing symptoms.
Is social anxiety the same as introversion?
No. Introversion is a preference for lower-stimulation environments and doesn’t involve fear or distress. Social anxiety involves genuine fear of judgment or embarrassment.
How long does treatment for social anxiety take?
It varies with the person and the severity, but many structured CBT programs run over a course of weekly sessions, often with noticeable improvement within a number of months.
Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist for social anxiety?
No. A GP referral is only needed for a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan.
Is online therapy effective for social anxiety?
Telehealth can be effective and accessible for social anxiety, including exposure-based approaches, though some people prefer moving to in-person sessions as part of their exposure practice.
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