Social anxiety (sometimes called social phobia) affects us all in different ways. For some people this social anxiety is a more serious fear that can make life very difficult. There are lots of social situations where we may feel anxious. It may be starting conversations, meeting new people, speaking, or eating in front of others, being seen in public or speaking on the phone. This course explores what social anxiety is, the causes of it and what keeps it going. The course then looks at ways to cope with social anxiety to enable you to move forward with your life.
This course will take approximately forty to seventy-five minutes to complete, but this timing will depend on how fast you read and how long you spend on the activities and reflective questions. You do not need to complete the whole course in one go. If you leave and come back to the course, it will remember where you got up to.
If you want a certificate for doing this course, press the ‘Mark Complete’ button at the bottom of each page.
This course is for education and information only. It does not provide therapy, medical advice, or professional support. If you need crisis support, please contact local mental health services, your GP or telephone 111 or the emergency services.
Course updated: February 2025.
The NHS website has social anxiety advice (opens in a new tab)
Anxiety UK (opens in a new tab) are a national charity established in 1970 to provide support and services to those suffering from all anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social phobia, simple phobia, phobia, and tranquiliser issues.
Breathing Space (opens in a new tab) are a free, confidential phone line you can call when you're feeling down. You might be worried about something - money, work, relationships, exams - or maybe you're just feeling fed up and can't put your finger on why.
Health Unlocked Anxiety Support (opens in a new tab) helps people with general anxiety and anxiety from health-related reasons.