Anxiety is fear. Social anxiety is fear which is based on performance and inter-active dynamics. This fear is comprised of emotional, behavioral, physiological, and thinking processes. Social anxiety is very specific. It differs from generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, although these characteristics often are present. Social and performance anxiety is the anxiety disorder of the millennium, given the reality that we live in a very fast paced, technological, and highly competitive society. Anxiety is a fact of life The only person that does not have anxiety is a dead person. It’s okay to have anxiety. It’s not okay to have anxiety control you!

Many millions of individuals suffer from some form of social anxiety. In fact, it’s estimated that one out of every eight people experiences some degree of social anxiety. Social anxiety is a problem characterized by the emotions of shame, humiliation and embarrassment. It is a disease of resistance. The result is that there are very few structured therapeutic programs available, given that most people who suffer from it are too embarrassed to even seek help.

Social anxiety affects people of all ages. It affects people from all cultures. There are many different manifestations of social anxiety, and the problem usually worsens with time. Social anxiety can be very specific – as in fear of public speaking or avoidance of restaurants. On the other hand, it can be pervasive and rule a person’s entire life. Social and performance anxiety affects people at all functioning levels – high achievers as well as the “emotionally challenged”.

About Jonathan

Jonathan has pioneered psychotherapy for social anxiety, public speaking anxiety, and performance anxiety since 1978. He has worked with thousands of individuals of all ages in individual, family, and group therapy. He is the author of “Beyond Shyness: How to Conquer Social Anxieties” (Simon & Schuster) and “Work Makes Me Nervous: Overcome Anxiety and Build the Confidence to Succeed” (John Wiley &Sons, Inc.) Jonathan is an expert in media performance having been featured extensively on television, radio, and in print. This experience includes Oprah, NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, FOX, The New York Times, Newsday, The Chicago Tribune, and The Boston Globe. Listen to him on WFAN SPORTS RADIO. Jonathan has extensively researched and developed clinical programs for the avoidant and dependent personality. He is a “diplomate” in clinical social work and is certified in New York State. In addition, he is certified by The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. To view Jonathan Berent‘s pioneering work with Social Phobia, view the 1988 Sally Jessy Raphael Show by clicking here. To view jonathan talking about Workplace Anxiety on Long Island News Jobline, click here.