Where to learn more, and when to talk to someone
Most social anxiety is workable with the kinds of tools this whole site is built on. Sometimes, though, it helps to read more widely or to talk things through with a professional. Here is how to tell, and where to look.
When it may be worth talking to a professional
The tools here go a long way, but consider talking to your doctor or a therapist if your social anxiety is any of the following:
- Intense and persistent, rather than occasional, and hard to control for weeks or months.
- Significantly interfering with your work, studies, friendships, or daily life.
- Leading you to avoid so much that your world is shrinking, or leaving you exhausted, low, or hopeless.
None of these is a threshold you must reach before you are allowed to ask for help. Wanting support is reason enough, and reaching out is a sign of good judgment, not weakness. Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular has strong evidence for social anxiety, and a doctor or licensed therapist can help in ways a website cannot.
Real, non-commercial resources
Good places to learn more. These are established government bodies, professional organizations, and nonprofits. They are free to read and do not sell you anything.
- National Institute of Mental Health: Social Anxiety Disorder (US government)
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders (US government)
- National Health Service: Social anxiety (UK national health service)
- American Psychological Association: Anxiety (professional body)
- National Health Service: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (UK national health service)
- World Health Organization: Anxiety disorders (international)
- HelpGuide: Social Anxiety Disorder (nonprofit)
If you are in crisis. If you are ever thinking about harming yourself, please treat it as an emergency and reach out right now. In the United States you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, any hour of any day. If you are elsewhere, your local emergency number and national crisis line can help. You deserve support, and it is available.
A note on this site. The articles, tools, and books here are educational self-help, not therapy or a diagnosis. They can sit alongside professional care, but they do not replace it. If self-help is not enough for what you are dealing with, please take that seriously and speak to a qualified professional.