Thousands of people in Lincoln suffer from social anxiety at some point in their lives. The disorder is not fully understood but to as many as one in ten people, it rules their everyday routine.
Compared to other mental illnesses, social anxiety, or social phobia as it is also known, has only been recognised as a disorder since 1980. It has long been confused with shyness and panic disorders, but is now recognised in its own right.

Certain aspects will sound familiar to anyone; scared of standing up in front of a large audience and making a speech or eating in view of other people. However, about 70 per cent of social anxiety sufferers will be affected by generalised social anxiety whereby it will have an effect on most or all areas of their life.
Recent findings have suggested that 5 to 7 percent of individuals visiting their doctors suffer from social anxiety at a level where it interferes significantly with their life.

Both men and women are affected equally and it tends to develop between the ages of 15 and 26. The Royal College of Psychiatrists define it as "A feeling of intense fear and anxiety when a person is doing something in front of others".
As far as help goes, there are three main paths that can be taken; drug therapy, psychological treatment and counselling. Brian Swallow, head of psychology at Lincoln University, said suitable actions differ from person to person.
"Treatments are varied, but it seems the most effective are cognitive, behavioural and/or social skill training," he said.
Drugs as treatment for mental illnesses have always caused controversy and social anxiety sufferer Nick, 26, agrees: "From research, medications seemed to cause more problems than they solved," he said.
"For a number of reasons, I don't think that medications are appropriate for social phobia, except in cases where people can't or won't access any other help."
Nick, from Bristol, has been suffering from social anxiety for three years. He admits that it has taken him years to come to terms with his problem and seek help. He said: "For many years I didn't understand why I found social things so much more difficult that everyone else, so for a long time I didn't even think to seek help."

It is easy to take for granted that you can go out, have a good time and meet new people. For those with social anxiety, it is a daunting and extremely hard task.
Ryan, 20, blames the disorder for not having many friends. He said: "My biggest difficulty is meeting new people or friends. Walking into pubs or clubs I find excruciatingly hard.
"I worry about what people are thinking of me and my heart races and I start sweating."
One form of therapy that seems to have positive feedback from social anxiety sufferers is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It involves changing the way you think of yourself and others by focusing on your thoughts in social situations.

Mr Swallow describes the therapy as a form of teaching where fears are irrational. "People often have unrealistic beliefs about themselves and the cognitive therapist may try to change the irrational belief. They also interpret social situations in a threatening way," he said.
Both Nick and Ryan have had CBT suggested to them but both have suffered problems before seeing results. Ryan said: "Cognitive Behaviour Therapy was mentioned to overcome it but the waiting list at the moment is months long." In the meantime he has joined an anxiety management group and an assertive training course.

Support groups are an important point of help for social anxiety sufferers. One group in Nottingham takes the approach of making meetings fun and informal.
Group co-ordinator Miriam Walker-Owen recognises its importance: "Many sufferers feel isolated, and it is a great relief when they know that they are not on their own with this terrible phobia. We also go for social nights out on the town and special meets to go bowling."

Ryan has some words of comfort for someone who is unsure as to what to do if they think they're suffering from social anxiety. He said: "You're not alone; there are many others who suffer the same. Talk to someone about your feelings and visit the doctor even if you're unsure why you're going, they'll understand and be helpful."