Social anxiety disorder is a strong fear of being watched, judged, or embarrassed in everyday social situations. This is more than ordinary shyness. The fear may show up when you speak, meet someone new, eat in public, or answer a question. It often lasts for months and can lead you to avoid the moment or endure it in distress. Dr. Ijeoma Mbionwu, DNP, PMHNP-BC, listens before any plan is discussed. This pattern sits within the wider group of anxiety disorders.
You may fear a negative look, a rejection, or the sense that others noticed your anxiety.
Parties, calls and stores may get skipped, even when you wanted to be there.
Blushing, sweating, a racing heart, or nausea can arrive as soon as attention turns your way.
Your mind may go blank. Words can be hard to find, even when you know what you mean.
You may watch yourself from the outside, then replay the talk long after it ends.
Worry can start days before a meeting, a class, or a simple plan with friends.
Meetings, presentations and speaking up in class may feel much harder than the task itself.
Making friends or keeping plans can stall when you fear being seen too closely.
Meals out, parties and group chats may get declined to avoid being the focus.
Afterward, you may scan the talk for flaws and decide you came across worse than you did.
No single cause explains social anxiety disorder. It may run in families, though not everyone is affected. Teasing, bullying, or a humiliating moment can leave a lasting mark. A shy temperament and long stress may also play a part. Some people avoid the situation. Others stay and endure it while watching themselves the whole time. That difference matters, because both patterns can shrink daily life. A careful history helps sort this fear from ordinary shyness.
Social anxiety care looks at the whole person: sleep, stress, relationships, physical health, other conditions and goals. Your plan is personalized and evidence-based, from a board-certified PMHNP, in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida.
A full visit covers feared situations, history, health, sleep and what you have started to avoid.
Medicine may be discussed when it fits. Side effects and how you feel are reviewed over time.
Talking through fear and avoidance may support care alongside other parts of your plan.
Later visits leave room for new situations, questions and changes in what you feel able to do.
The visit starts with your full story: feared situations, sleep, health, medicines and goals.
From there, you and your provider discuss options that fit your needs and daily responsibilities.
Follow-up visits leave room for questions, side effects and changes in how the week is going.
A video visit can feel easier as a first step. Schedule Your Appointment or Call 407-616-1691. Care is available in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Getting started with StarMaris is simple. Please complete the forms below before your first appointment to help us provide timely, personalized psychiatric care. Referring providers can submit patient referrals securely online. For questions, call us at 407-616-1691.