By Allison Bondi
Contributing Writer

I’m biting my nails again, thinking, “Please professor, don’t call on me,” even though I know the answer. I’m relieved when I finally think of an excuse to cancel plans, for the third time this week. I’m walking through the cafeteria as I feel all eyes on me, I forget how to walk, I stumble, I turn red. Who am I?

I am social phobia: noun; overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia creates a delusion in one’s mind that everyone is watching, judging them at every second.

As human beings, we have a deep craving for the love and attention of others. We watch characters develop on TV as their perfection in film makes us feel insufficient; they might have the parents, friends or the boyfriend we want.

We all need meaningful and fulfilling relationships, otherwise life is empty. What happens if you’re afraid to interact? It’s the one thing you desire most, but mentally and physically you just can’t.

Social anxiety, or “the fear of being social,” currently affects 40 million Americans, making it the most common mental illness in America, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Out of the $42 billion spent on health care, one-third is spent by Americans seeking help for a physical problem that was actually caused by their social anxiety.

More common in women then men, anxiety originates from a combination of genetics, personality, and life events.  Anxiety is more than feeling awkward; it’s an inability to function as a person. You don’t feel comfortable being yourself. You wish it would go away but it never does.

We don’t know what specifically triggers this illness, but there are ways to overcome it. A decision must be made that you need to train yourself to think and translate behavior differently.

A healthy thought process that focuses on the individual compared to the others around them is key. While therapists can help you do this, they should ultimately teach you how to think for yourself. A healthier mind leads to a happier life.

A common misconception is that in order to have social anxiety, you must be a shy introvert.  This is not the case, as anyone can have anxiety. Remember, 40 million Americans are suffering; you don’t have to be alone.