SOCIAL PHOBIA

It is difficult for a mother with social phobia to join antenatal groups or postnatal ‘play’ groups
They may need extra help to have the courage to go – by going with a friend for example
They may ‘hide’ behind their baby or feel too self-conscious to interact with their baby in front of others as they would at home.
They may feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in front of others.

See information for women on Social Phobia.

Core Features of Social Phobia (in adults)

Core Symptoms

A marked and persistent fear of one or more social situations
A fear of being scrutinised by others
A fear that they themselves will act in an embarrassing way eg., be unable to talk sensibly
a fear of displaying anxiety symptoms in front of others
Exposure to the feared social situation provokes intense anxiety.
The feared social situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress.