Statistics suggest that between 7-13% of the population suffer with some kind of social anxiety that inhibits and affects their lives negatively. Having ‘been there myself’, my late teens and twenties were a struggle of trying to fit into society whilst feeling like an outsider. Unable to do many things that most people take for granted, such as making phone calls, going to the supermarket, finding or even looking for a job, all felt painful and extremely anxiety provoking. I didn't really know why I was feeling this way. I blamed it on many outside factors such as upbringing or being bullied at school. I later realised that none of that matters. What’s important is how we move forward in life. The past is in the past. I've written this guide to help people who are suffering with this issue, and for the family members. So that you can realise that you are not alone in this and you are so much more than you think you are right now. Even if you are feeling at your worst as you read this, I am hopeful that you begin to realise that social anxiety doesn't define who you are as a person. There's a whole new way of experiencing life that’s just around the corner. A life that you never thought was possible.