Social phobia, or social anxiety, is a condition suffered by many people. This can be a very serious condition that leads to severe depression as victims are told by others to just "cheer up" or "get out there and meet people." There are many ways to treat this type of anxiety however. Doctors may prescribe a medication if the case is severe enough, but usually this is only until you start seeing effects from whatever therapy is recommended. Some sufferers find they are able to help themselves through their anxiety as well.

Therapy is the most common way to treat social anxiety. One of the most common therapies is called CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy centers around the idea that anxiety is caused by distorted thoughts and that challenging those thoughts can help defeat the panic attacks. Mindfulness therapy is a therapy that is becoming more popular. This therapy is based around simply observing the anxiety and letting it pass to prove that it is not harmful. Exposure therapy involved putting the victim in gradually more social environments and situations over a period of time.

Medications may sometimes be used to treat social anxiety if it is severe and enough of a disruption to the victim's life. There are several medications that may be used. Mostly, doctors will prescribe SSRIs which are primarily used to treat depression but have been shown to be effective in helping anxiety. If severe panic attacks are a part of the social anxiety then a more potent medication such as Lorazepam may be prescribed. There are many cases where a patient cannot use medications, however, such as if they are pregnant or are on other medications.

Some people suffering from social anxiety have found that they can coach themselves into a healthier state of mind. This may be done through lifestyle changes or through other means. For example, many find that working through a work-book geared towards people who suffer from social anxiety is very helpful and it gives them practical steps to work through. Relaxation techniques are also often found to be helpful. This may be a form of meditation or yoga, or it may be breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are often helpful due to the fact that one of the primary symptoms of a panic attack is shallow breathing or hyperventilation which can cause the panic attack to worsen or last longer