Imagine you've got a meeting in a few days with colleagues you have worked with for several years. It is informal and will last no longer than 15 minutes. However, you've spent the past few days dreading it. You're sure that, when it is your turn to speak, you'll stutter, turn crimson and break into a sweat.

You're an intelligent person but you'll know you'll say something stupid and embarrassing. And, when you leave the meeting, you expect your colleagues will spend the day laughing at you.

The Institute of Psychiatry says that between seven and thirteen people out of 100 experience social anxiety (also known as social phobia).

Sufferers have a fear of being around other people and of being judged by them. They think they are weird, boring, stupid or simply unlikeable and, as a result, dread any situation that requires communication with others.

Most of us know what it feels like to lack confidence but imagine if you couldn't answer the phone for fear of embarrassing yourelf. Stephen J. Scott from the Insitute of Social Anxiety (SocialAnxietyNet.com) says people with social anxiety fear many normal social situations. "It could be meeting someone for coffee, meeting a new work colleague, or even a relative" he adds. "They avoid going for drinks after work and hate seemingly normal social gatherings like eating lunch at work."

Anxiety Attack

Once in the situation, the physical symptoms begin. "As well as the inner turmoil, some sufferers display physical symptoms such as shaking, blushing, inability to smile," explains Scott. "But in reality they don't look anywhere near as anxious as they think they do"

Julian Wood, 32, a recovering social anxiety sufferer, works for an awareness group. "I have always found it far more difficult to speak with an individual than a group." he says. Personally, and for many others, a number of people can be easier than one - I feel less judged."

Mr Wood was a shy child and says that many adults who have come to his support group would have experienced different problems. "Being bullied or excluded as a child can be a big predictor," he says.

But, of course, there are always exceptions, and outgoing people can succumb to social anxiety too, explains Scott. "There will be a trigger or a series of incidents in a short space of time which cause the onset of social anxiety. Maybe the sufferer has had a humiliating experience and is fine until he or she is back in a similar situation. The feelings come back, and extend themselves into different circumstances"

James, 34, has recently developed symptoms of social anxiety. He is due to speak in front of a small crowd in three months but the thought of it already makes him panicky and breathless. "I also find myself dreading some social situations and will scruntinise things I said to my friends and worry I made an idiot of myself," he admits.

I wouldn't bother telling anyone because no one would believe me. My friends and family think I'm super confident."

Coping Strategies

If left untreated, people such as James can end up leading a lonley, limited existence. "Confidence and people skills are important for career progression", says Scott. "Dealing with colleagues is important for climbing up the greasy pole. But if you are literally too afraid to go out for a drink with your boss, it undoubtedly makes things difficult."

Some individuals use alcohol and drugs as coping strategies. "The danger with this is that they can lead to dependancy, and also delay dealing with the root cause of their social anxiety" says Scott. "Depression often follows social anxiety because after the sufferer's plight begins to feel hopeless."

"The horrible irony of the problem is that sufferers are scared of seeking help, when seeking help is the best way of combating their fears." says Scott. "Only they can decide when they are ready to do that."

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