Social Anxiety: Fear of Public Speaking



Social Anxiety is a common form of anxiety disorder. Many people experience the symptoms of social anxiety while in large crowds or public places. Others may experience the symptoms of social anxiety or social phobia when speaking in public.

For those who have a fear of public speaking, the intense fear can be overwhelming--sweaty palms, nausea, light headedness, upset stomach--these are just some of the symptoms of social anxiety associated with the fear of public speaking.

Often, this fear can hold people back from achieving goals and interfere with normal everyday life. Though fear of public speaking is quite common, for some it becomes a disorder.

For those who have to speak in public due to job duties or whatever the case may be, the fear can be so overwhelming that many public speaking phobics end up quiting or losing their job or other important social positions.

While it may seem impossible for some to overcome the fear of public speaking, may they be reminded that this is a phobia--social anxiety or social phobia--it is very much treatable and in some cases totally reversible.

The best methods of treatment for fear of public speaking involve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy and Self-Help Programs. There are also medications to help alleviate the symptoms of social phobia, though that's all they do--alleviate the symptoms--medication does not get to the root cause.

Therapy is generally the best method for treating fear of public speaking, though it is not always available for some(no insurance, cannot afford treatment, etc.). The other highly effective treatment is a comprehensive Self-Help program.

There are many Self-Help programs available to help those suffering from social anxiety, regardless of the underlying symptoms (fear of flying, fear of public speaking, fear of driving in traffic etc.).

However, I will only recommend those in which I have thoroughly reviewed and have had personal experience with myself. Please check the following links out and see what you think. As I said, there are lots of programs, though these are the best in my opinion.

Panic Away
The Linden Method