We all know the feeling of being nervous or uncomfortable in a social situation. Maybe you’ve clammed up when meeting someone new or gotten sweaty palms before making a big presentation. Public speaking or walking into a roomful of strangers isn’t exactly thrilling for everybody, but most people can get through it.

The Basics: Anxiety Over 40 million adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder. What are the main types, and how can you silence the fear and worry? 65 National Institute of Mental Health: "Anxiety Disorders."; Anxiety and Depression Association of America: "Facts & Statistics."; National Alliance on Mental Illness: "Anxiety Disorders."; Igor Skrynnikov; Brand X Pictures; Mark Hunt; iLexx; JGI/Jamie Grill; Wavebreakmedia Ltd; David Buffington; Goodshoot; AudioJungle. /delivery/fd/59/fd59b4ea-20c3-4599-a20f-e3927d0468f0/basics-anxiety_,400k,4500k,2500k,1000k,750k,.mp4 12/15/2016 00:00:00 650 350 /webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/video/basics_anxiety_video/650x350_basics_anxiety_video.jpg 091e9c5e815816b9

If you have social anxiety disorder, though, the stress of these situations is too much to handle. You might avoid all social contact because things that other people consider “normal” -- like making small talk and eye contact -- make you so uncomfortable. All aspects of your life, not just the social, could start to fall apart.

Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is one of the most common mental disorders, so if you have it, there’s hope. The tough part is being able to ask for help. Here’s how to know if your social silence has gone beyond shyness to a point where you need to see a doctor.