Social Phobia can exhibit itself in several forms. Many of us suffer from some sort of social phobia or other. For instance there are a number of people who fear public speaking (glossophobia),. In fact a survey revealed that more people feared public speaking than those who feared death, and if you takke that to its logical conclusion that would mean the majority would prefer to be in the box than be the one to speak the eulogy.

Less common social phobias include the fear of walking down a street because the subject thinks everyone is looking at them. Another social phobia is the fear of public restrooms or eating in public. Basically phobias fall into two categories; one is the fear of acting in a certain manner in a public situation and the other is a fear of certain social interactions. Examples of the latter include parties, interviews, speaking to somebody you do not know or dealing with authority figures.

It is also important to not exactly what is and what is not a social phobia. A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a thing or situation which is not normally dangerous. So if a person is a little nervous around poisonous spiders that is not a phobia. That is normal cautious behavior in a dangerous situation. But a person who is terrified to be near a small, harmless spider probably has a phobia.

The main concern for the sufferer, their family and friends is that if treatment is not sort the condition will grow and become worse. AS well as having an adverse effect on a persons personal, social and business life those suffering from social phobias will seek self destructive methods such as the help of excessive alcohol and or drugs to help them overcome their anxiety.

If you are or know someone who is suffering from a social phobia it is very much in the sufferer’s interest to seek proper professional medical advice. Irrational fears in someone else may at first seem amusing but if not treated can ruin someone’s life.