9 Things Social Anxiety Makes Us Do

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is defined as an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. Do you ever feel like all eyes are on you, just waiting for you to slip up or do something embarrassing? Do you always feel like this? It’s important to note that social anxiety is much more than shyness, as well; shyness is considered a normal facet of one’s personality, whereas social anxiety is not. If you suffer from social anxiety and want to learn more about that, here are some of the things social anxiety makes us do.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that this video is purely for educational and interest purposes and is not to be used to self-diagnose social anxiety. If you or somebody you know suspects that they may be suffering from social anxiety, get in touch with your doctor or mental health service to discuss your symptoms further.


Writer: Gabrielle LaFrank
Script Editor: Morgan Franz
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera
Animator: Marissa Rose
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

Shyness...Or Social Anxiety?. (n.d). Retrieved from socialanxietyinstitute.org/shyness-or-social-anxiety-disorder

Mayo Clinic Staff. ( 2017, August 29). Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561

Sillers, J. (n.d). Why do phone calls give us anxiety?. Retrieved from www.headspace.com/blog/2017/02/06/fear-of-phone-calls/

What Are the 4 Types of Social Anxiety?. (2019, April 02). Retrieved from www.aboutsocialanxiety.com/types-social-anxiety/

Social Anxiety Disorder. (n.d). Retrieved from adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder

Symptoms & Signs of Social Anxiety. (n.d). Retrieved from akfsa.org/symptoms-signs/

Stein, M.B. & Walker, J.R. (2002). Triumph Over Shyness: Conquering Social Anxiety Disorder. (2nd ed.). Mcgraw-Hill

Do you have a personal story or video request to share? Email us at [email protected]