Have you ever been out with classmates or co-workers where your heart suddenly races, leaving you too overwhelmed to make conversation? If so, it’s okay – we’ve all been there! It’s those instances when the pressure to engage can feel daunting, making social settings a challenge to navigate. However, if these emotions negatively impact your life, you may have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety can be debilitating, making everyday interactions with other people a main source of stress and anxiety. According to Pamela Larkin from Optimum Joy, it’s not only in group settings, but it can also be during one-on-one interactions. While going to therapy may cost hundreds of dollars a month, fortunately there are affordable books written by psychologists and other mental health professionals that can help you manage and overcome social anxiety.
Social anxiety books are designed to provide guidance and support to individuals who struggle to interact with other people. These books cover a range of topics, including coping strategies, cognitive-behavioral techniques and self-help exercises. If you’re looking for a way to cope with your fear of being in social situations, we have gathered the best books for social anxiety that can offer you some aid.
- Understanding Social Anxiety and Its Symptoms
- Best Social Anxiety Books
- How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
- Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety
- The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook
- Dating Without Fear: Overcome Social Anxiety and Connect
- CBT for Social Anxiety: Simple Skills for Overcoming Fear and Enjoying People
- Social Anxiety: The Best Tactics To Overcome Fear Of Judgement And Awkward Situations
- Social Anxiety Relief for Teens: A Step-by-Step CBT Guide to Feel Confident and Comfortable in Any Situation (The Instant Help Solutions Series)
- Help Your Dragon Overcome Separation Anxiety: A Cute Children’s Story to Teach Kids How to Cope with Different Kinds of Separation Anxiety, Loneliness and Loss. (My Dragon Books)
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
- Social Anxiety Post COVID-19 Pandemic
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Social Anxiety and Its Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, can be a chronic mental health condition. This condition is becoming increasingly common each year, and its prevalence is growing fast. Approximately 15 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with social anxiety disorder each year, totaling about 7.1% of the population.
Everyday interactions such as attending a meeting, attending a wedding or going out for a meal with friends can cause a significant amount of anxiety, self-consciousness and embarrassment due to the fear of being scrutinized or judged negatively by others. This fear and anxiety can lead to avoidance and can severely affect relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities.
Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder may arise from biological and environmental factors. Possible causes include:
- Inherited Traits: Anxiety disorders may run in the family, however it remains unclear how much of this may be due to genetics and how much is from learned behavior.
- Brain Structure: The amygdala in the brain can play a big role in controlling the fear response of an individual. Those with an overactive amygdala may have a heightened fear response, which causes an increase of anxiety in social situations.
- Environment: Social anxiety disorder can be a learned behavior where individuals may develop anxiety after an embarrassing social situation. There may also be an association between social anxiety and parents who have displayed anxious behaviors in social situations or are more overprotective and controlling of their children.
As we live in the digital age, one of the most prominent reasons why social anxiety disorder is rising is due to social media. Social media inherently offers several methods for connections that do not require face-to-face interactions, causing the population to become more socially anxious each year, especially among the younger generations who have easier access to the internet. With the shift towards virtual interaction, it makes this disorder a natural consequence in children and adolescents.
According to Fischler (2021), another potential contributor to the rise of social anxiety disorder is that much of the population of today has less of a pressure for survival compared to the previous generations.
People with social anxiety disorder often display a combination of emotional, physical and avoidance symptoms. Some of these include:

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time and may flare up depending on life changes, stress or demands. While avoiding social situations can make your anxiety feel better in the short term, your anxiety will likely continue in the long term if you don’t get treatment. There are different alternatives such as psychotherapy, taking medication or reading books for social anxiety to help you gain confidence and improve your ability to interact with others.
Best Social Anxiety Books
If you’re struggling with social anxiety, you’re not alone. Social anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you overcome your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. One of the best resources available are books. With that being said, we have compiled some of the best books on social anxiety on the market. Reading these books can help you start to think “this might feel uncomfortable, but I am safe.” So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore!
How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
- Hendriksen, Ellen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 05/14/2019 (Publication Date) - St. Martin's Griffin (Publisher)
It can be hard to be yourself if you hase social anxiety, especially if you’re afraid of being judged by others. In the book “How to Be Yourself”, psychologist Ellen Hendriksensen provides practical advice for overcoming your fears and learning how to accept yourself. She uses relatable stories and humor to make the book engaging and enjoyable to read.
It covers a wide range of topics including how to identify and challenge negative thoughts, how to become more confident and how to develop social skills in order to improve relationships. The author also provides practical advice on how to deal with specific social situations such as public speaking, dating and job interviews.
The book’s biggest strength is its focus on practical strategies. The author provides step-by-step instructions, and includes exercises and worksheets to help readers apply the concepts into their own lives. The book also provides real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the strategies and make them more concrete, making it a great resource for readers to make lasting changes in their lives.
Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety
- McKleroy MA LMFT, Alison (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 08/18/2020 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
“Essential Strategies for Social Anxiety” by Alison McKleroy has become a top read for those who are looking to manage their social anxiety. While having social interactions may not be exciting for everyone, the author provides clear and practical techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy to help you overcome your fears and improve your overall quality of life. The book also provides exercises and worksheets that can be applied to real life social events and interactions. Ultimately, this read is written in a clear and engaging style, making the book easy to understand.
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook
- Antony PhD, Martin M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages - 12/01/2017 (Publication Date) - New Harbinger Publications (Publisher)
If you’re a shy person trying to come out of your shell, then “The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook” by Martin M. Anthony and Richard P. Swinswon is an excellent choice. The book is one of the most popular and well-reviewed books on social anxiety written by clinical psychologists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, which can ensure you that it is based on scientific principles.
This read is a comprehensive workbook offering easy to follow step-by-step techniques to help you overcome your fear of social situations. The exercises are practical and effective, which you can apply during real-world scenarios. It can also provide you a thorough understanding of the root causes of your social anxiety. With a little bit of effort and dedication, this workbook will help you improve your relationships and overall quality of life.
Dating Without Fear: Overcome Social Anxiety and Connect
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Getting to know someone in a romantic way is never easy for anyone. So if you find yourself struggling with social anxiety and meeting new people, then “Dating Without Fear: Overcome Social Anxiety and Connect” by Thomas Smithyman is a must-read book for you. The author combines scientific research with personal stories, making it relatable and informative. The book is full of practical tips and techniques to help you connect with others and build meaningful relationships as you navigate the wonderful world of dating. Even if you are not a clinical psychologist, the author has made this book an easy and understandable read.
CBT for Social Anxiety: Simple Skills for Overcoming Fear and Enjoying People
- Audible Audiobook
- Stefan G. Hofmann PhD (Author) - Tristan Morris (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
If you’re someone who prefers listening to audiobooks, then “Social Anxiety: Simple Skills for Overcoming Fear and Enjoying People” by Stefan G. Hofmann is worth listening to in order to help you overcome social anxiety. The author is a renowned psychologist who has spent decades researching about social anxiety and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an effective treatment to help you identify specific thoughts, emotions and behaviors fueling your distress.
The audiobook is only 5 hours and 53 minutes long, making it a quick and easy listen for those on the go. The narrator, Tristan Morris, has a clear and engaging voice, making it easy to follow along the step-by-step guide to manage social anxiety. He also does a great job of conveying the author’s message and tone. Additionally, the book provides strategies including cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy and relaxing techniques for specific social situations such as public speaking and dating.
Social Anxiety: The Best Tactics To Overcome Fear Of Judgement And Awkward Situations
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Laws, Cameron (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Do you find yourself to be an awkward person when you mingle with other people? If so, then “Social Anxiety: The Best Tactics To Overcome Fear Of Judgement And Awkward Situations” by Cameron Laws is a 54-paged book that provides practical tips and tactics to overcome social anxiety by changing negative self-talk, practicing mindfulness and facing your fears gradually. The author also includes real-life examples to readers to understand how they can apply these useful tips into their own lives, making it a great in-depth guide worth checking out.
Social Anxiety Relief for Teens: A Step-by-Step CBT Guide to Feel Confident and Comfortable in Any Situation (The Instant Help Solutions Series)
- Walker PhD, Bridget Flynn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 10/01/2021 (Publication Date) - Instant Help (Publisher)
If you’re a teenager or a parent of a teenager, then “Social Anxiety Relief for Teens” by Bridget Flynn Walker and Michael A. Tompkins may be exactly what you need. As teenagers explore their identity, feelings of self-consciousness and awkwardness may arise, especially when trying to fit in or assert their individuality. This book is a guide for those who are looking to overcome their fears of social anxiety to feel more confident in social situations.
The authors are licensed clinical psychologists with extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders in teens. They share cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, which are designed to help you change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. The book also offers guidance on how to start conversations, make small talk and handle any type of social situation to build social skills.
Help Your Dragon Overcome Separation Anxiety: A Cute Children’s Story to Teach Kids How to Cope with Different Kinds of Separation Anxiety, Loneliness and Loss. (My Dragon Books)
- Herman, Steve (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 42 Pages - 02/12/2020 (Publication Date) - DG Books Publishing (Publisher)
The book “Help Your Dragon Overcome Separation Anxiety” by Steve Herman is a children’s book that can help kids learn how to deal with different kinds of separation anxiety, loneliness and loss. The story revolves around a dragon who is afraid to be apart from his friend. The story makes it relatable for children to understand and a useful tool for parents to discuss with their kids who are younger in age. It is written in rhyme and includes colorful illustrations to capture the attention of children of all ages.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
- Bourne PhD, Edmund J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 528 Pages - 05/01/2020 (Publication Date) - New Harbinger Publications (Publisher)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to help you overcome anxiety and phobias, then “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” by Edmund J. Bourne is the perfect solution. With over 500 pages of content, this seventh edition revised workbook provides readers with a step-by-step program to help them understand the root of their fears. The workbook covers a wide range of anxiety disorders and phobias, providing readers with the tools they need to overcome their anxiety. Additionally, the exercises are practical and effective, which can help anyone who is struggling with anxiety, specifically social anxiety.
Whether you’re an introvert and socially anxious or a psychology enthusiast interested in the science behind social awkwardness, these books on social anxiety may be great reads for you. As John Donne once said, “No man is an island, no man lives alone” and through these tools, they can help you understand social cues to navigate relationships and seek to embrace one’s awkwardness to fully thrive in social situations.
Social Anxiety Post COVID-19 Pandemic
The health crisis SARS-COV-19 has been considered as one of the greatest pandemics of the 21st century by the World Health Association (WHO). This has led to several changes in daily routines and lifestyles worldwide, with negative mental health outcomes, specifically its impact on social interactions and relationships being evident through social anxiety. A 2023 study shows there has been an estimated additional 76.2 million cases of anxiety disorders worldwide, which is an increase of 25.6%. With these numbers, it is unlikely that mental health will recover to pre-pandemic levels after some time.

With an increasing commonality of social media, extended quarantine situations enacted during the pandemic, resulting in people not socializing normally, but rather having to socialize through technology through social media platforms or Zoom meetings. When restrictions eased up, office workers and students returned to the workforce and school, meaning there was less virtual socialization and more face-to-face interactions. While some have been anticipating this and looking forward to returning to “normal,” others preferred the more isolated lifestyle they had during the pandemic. Those who dealt with social anxiety found remote learning, working, and socialization to be ideal.
Some people who had never experienced social anxiety in the past went through re-entry anxiety, which was an uneasiness about returning to the old normal due to being comfortable with social distancing. Anxiety expert, Hillary Ammon, PsyD, an assistant professor of Clinical Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, shared that most people experienced these feelings, although they have most likely disappeared once they started to engage with others.
However, re-entry may have been a challenge for those suffering from social anxiety as two years have allowed them to avoid the everyday tasks of socializing, which they initially found challenging. Ammon explained that these social worries were on pause due to the pandemic, but have likely returned. Despite these worries, she reassured that people can prepare for in-person activities and learn to manage their anxieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can self-help books effectively reduce symptoms of social anxiety?
Reading self-help books is not a magic solution to curing social anxiety overnight, however it can be an effective way to slowly reduce symptoms. They offer valuable strategies and insights to navigate the social world, although severe social anxiety may require the expertise and guidance of a mental health professional for comprehensive and tailored support. Take note that self-help books should not be a substitute for professional treatment.
What is the difference between shyness and social anxiety?
Shyness and social anxiety are often used interchangeably, however they do not have the same meaning. Shyness is a personality trait, while social anxiety is a mental health disorder. Some books that address the difference between shyness and social anxiety include “The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook” by Martin Antony and Richard Swinson and “Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness” by Gillian Butler.
How can I find quality social anxiety self-help material in PDF format?
There are several websites that offer social anxiety self-help material in PDF format such as Psychology Tools, Anxiety Canada and the Centre for Clinical Interventions.
How can parents support their children with anxiety through literature?
With anxiety being increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents today, parents can support their kids by reading books with them and discussing the experiences of the characters. They may also use the books as a starting point for difficult and deep conversations about anxiety. This can provide their children with a safe space to share their own experiences and relate it with the characters in the story.
Which novels feature characters dealing with social anxiety and what can we learn from them?
A few social anxiety novels such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman and “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green feature characters dealing with social anxiety. These books about social anxiety can offer insights into the experiences of individuals struggling with the condition and provide a sense of empathy and understanding.
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