Shyness and social anxiety

All children and adolescents experience shyness or feelings of social discomfort at times. However, some struggle with more frequent or extreme shyness and may have what is known as social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD involves persistent and debilitating nervousness in social situations due to fears of criticism and embarrassment. Signs and symptoms of SAD include expecting bad things to happen in social situations, experiencing distressing physical sensations when anxious, and avoiding or escaping from social settings. For parents, it can be useful to recognize signs of when their children's social anxiety may be a concern and to learn strategies for helping them, such as increasing social opportunities and rewarding brave behavior. Some young people may also benefit from working with a psychologist who can provide cognitive-behavioral therapy to help them gradually face their feared social situations. Resources with additional tips for parents are included.