[Photo courtesy of Ingorrr] One of the (many) problems with social anxiety disorder is that it can affect your motivation to get out there and do things. The fear of negative evaluation by others might mean you prefer the safety of your bed, rather than face (usually misinterpreted) stares of disapproval. However, human beings by nature need to be stimulated. And avoiding activities will simply make you fee ...

In the news recently a new anti-anxiety drug was announced that uses oxytocin hormones released by mothers when they bond with their newborn babies. The results of trials appear to be encouraging, with 120 patients reported to be relieved of their social anxiety within half an hour. The report also highlights how millions of people suffer from shyness or social anxiety in the UK. One in ten say it affects t ...

[Image courtesy of andy_c] If you suffer from shyness then you might daydream about swaggering into a party and captivating an audience with your witty anecdotes and smooth one liners. Whilst being confident and attracting attention has its advantages, you shouldn't discount the qualities of being someone who holds back a little until you feel comfortable around strangers. Being shy shouldn't be something y ...

[Image courtesy of Vaqawi] If you were a shy child you're not alone. 4 in 5 people are estimated to have been shy as children, and half of those then continue feeling shy occasionally as adults e.g. when going to parties or talking to strangers in the street. Feeling shy is a natural emotion. But problems occur when it becomes so uncomfortable that it makes you want to avoid social situations altogether. Wh ...