However, if you have social anxiety or social phobia, which is the fear of being around people, public speaking, initiating or continuing conversations. That's something that comes up every day.

Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations. You may feel anticipatory and persistent fear of being judged or rejected.

Many people are a little bit shy, but those with social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) can become overwhelmed with anxiety in simple social situations. Peter (not his real name ...