What is Shyness?  Shyness is a feeling of timidity, nervousness, and lack of self-confidence.  It happens to everybody - we all get sweaty palms and quiet, stuttering voices when we are put in situations that are new to us. There are several times during life when shyness is an appropriate response.  But for some, shyness can act as a huge mental burden.  For these people, shyness becomes so controlling that they are afraid to see other people or experience new things.  This painful shyness may lead to more serious mental issues, such as social phobia, also referred to as social anxiety disorder.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder/Social Phobia?  Social anxiety disorder is a serious mental condition in which the sufferer becomes extremely nervous in social situations. When a person has a social phobia, he develops an intense, and often irrational, fear of being judged by others. Social phobia is a very serious psychological disorder.  A person suffering from the disorder is often withdrawn and reclusive.  When placed in a social environment, she may appear to be frightened and overly nervous.  A shy person may not often speak or make any contact with others. 

What is the difference between Shyness and Social Phobia/Anxiety Disorder? While shyness can certainly be painful, social phobia can be devastating.  A person who is shy usually can contain these feelings and overcome them.  Social phobias and anxieties are often much harder to alleviate, and sufferers often need professional help to control these fears.  Additionally, shyness only occurs in some situations. Social phobias and anxieties may be chronic, meaning they affect a person frequently and even when the feelings are unwarranted.