Social Phobia or Extreme Shyness
It's natural to feel self-conscious, nervous, or shy in front of others at times. Most people get through these moments when they need to. But for some, the anxiety that goes with feeling shy or self-conscious can be extreme.
When people feel so self-conscious and anxious that it prevents them from speaking up or socialising most of the time, it's probably more than shyness. It may be an anxiety condition called social phobia (also called social anxiety).
What Happens When Someone Has Social Phobia?
Extreme feelings of shyness and self-consciousness build into a powerful fear. As a result, a person feels uncomfortable participating in everyday social situations.
People with social phobia can usually interact easily with family and a few close friends. But meeting new people, talking in a group, or speaking in public can cause their extreme shyness to kick in.
With social phobia, a person's extreme shyness, self-consciousness, and fears of embarrassment get in the way of life. Instead of enjoying social activities, people with social phobia might dread them — and avoid some of them altogether.
Source: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/social-phobia.html
GENERAL INFO
Nemours Teen Health: Shyness
Nemours Teen Health: Social Phobia
ReachOut: Social Anxiety Disorder
Health Direct: Social Anxiety Disorder
Better Health Channel: Social Phobia
from USA:
Psychology Today: Shyness
Social Anxiety Association: What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
SELF-HELP
Talk to your GP/doctor or contact Your Crew to
help you such as help you speak to your parents or get you to your doctor.
If you feel at immediate risk call 000
Call Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
ReachOut: How to overcome your shyness
ReachOut: 9 things not to say and do when meeting someone new
ReachOut: 3 steps to better communication
Nemours TeensHealth: 5 ways to shake shyness
UK website - The phone numbers on this website cannot be used in Australia but the general guidance is very good: NHS Inform - Social Anxiety self-help guide
FORUMS, TOOLS & VIDEOS
Ted Talks
Overcoming Social Anxiety | Marielle Cornes | TEDxYouth@MBJH
Being a teen with social anxiety - Jessie Page and Kati Morton
HELP OTHERS / CREW
Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do to support someone. You may feel stressed or scared you'll say the wrong thing.
Remember your main role in YourCrew is to listen, acknowledge and communicate support. That can mean calling a professional service such as Kids Helpline or, in an emergency, calling 000 They can also guide you on what to do.
If you are under 18 years, you can also reach out to an adult or your Crew to help you support someone.
For tips on Crewing for someone go HERE
see Professional and Urgent Help for a list of services with live phone numbers and links
Headspace: Understanding anxiety for family and friends
Psychology Today: Adolescence and shyness
Parents:
Verywell Family: Help a shy teen build self-confidence
Kids Helpline: Social anxiety in kids and teens
Raising Children: Social anxiety in children (3-8 years)
Raising Children: Anxiety and how to manage it: pre-teens and teenagers