Social anxiety is defined as a persistent intense fear or concern about being in specific social situations because one believes they will be mercilessly judged, embarrassed or humiliated.

" This leads to an avoidance of anxiety-producing social situations or to enduring them with intense fear and anxiety," says Guerra.

Social anxiety often also brings with it a fear of rejection, causing many people to avoid putting themselves in any circumstances where they will be evaluated by another person.

Guerra says that everyone experiences some degree of anxiety or uneasiness in social situations but that when social anxiety begins to interfere with one's ability to function and meet demands of daily living such as with work, school, and relationships, "it can become pathological in nature and the affected individual should consider accessing mental health services."

Indeed, left untreated, "social anxiety disorder can increase the risk for other mental health issues such as depression and substance use disorder," cautions Dr. Elizabeth Hoge, a psychiatrist and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at Georgetown University.

It's also worth noting that social anxiety disorder differs from generalized anxiety disorder "since it is ignited by anticipation or preparation associated with being with other people".

What causes social anxiety?

Though no single thing causes social anxiety, Broder says it may stem from past trauma or a negative experience regarding rejection, embarrassment, bullying, humiliation, or ridicule. She says it can also occur when someone gets out of practice of being around others or when someone finds themself in a new school or work setting "and simply doesn't know what to do, how to act, what to wear, etc."

More extreme ends of social anxiety such as social anxiety disorder may be related to genetic or environmental factors. " People with a family history of anxiety disorders are more likely to develop social anxiety," says Guerra.

How to resolve social anxiety?

Resolving more mild forms of social anxiety starts with preparing for unknown situations before they occur by learning what's likely to transpire and even by role playing with other people, says Broder.

She also recommends learning and repeating mantras for self-encouragement when feeling stuck and recognizing that "you are most likely not the only person in the room feeling socially anxious."

Guerra says that exposure therapy such as regularly practicing being in social situations is the best way to feel more comfortable with it.

In more serious cases such as an individual suspecting they have social anxiety disorder, effective treatments include talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.

" However you choose to deal with your social anxiety, be patient with yourself," suggests Guerra. " Progress can be slow but never underestimate the power of taking baby steps."