Social anxiety disorder is crippling – and common. Graded exposure is the first step out | Gill Straker and Jacqui Winship

Social anxiety disorder (Sad) is a ubiquitous and crippling mental health condition.

While akin to shyness, Sad involves anxiety that is way more intense.

It leads to the avoidance of social situations including work, family gatherings and even events the person believes they would enjoy if they weren't so anxious.

Research indicates Sad particularly afflicts young people.

Sad is a fictitious amalgam to exemplify many similar cases that we see.

The therapist is a fictional amalgam of both authors.

The pace of change is slow but over a year of weekly sessions Rochelle began to enjoy therapy.

We are in the process of generalising the ease she feels with me to other social situations so she can enjoy life.