Did You Know That 6.4 Million Britons Suffer From Crippling Shyness?

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Jan 23, 2015, 09:00 ET

LONDON, January 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Steve Light was painfully shy for as long as he can remember. It wasn't until his teenage years that he noticed that he was withdrawing more and more often, to the point that he found it hard to speak on the phone due to the anxiety he felt. At the age of 19 he plucked up the courage to get support and went to his local GP for help, it was a relief to know that he was suffering with what's known as Social Anxiety Disorder. He then went on a journey to tackle his anxiety, starting with counselling then a local support group. Then in 2008 he felt confident enough to help others, and he set up his support group, Leading Light.

NHS statistics suggest that Social Anxiety Disorder affects between 7-13% of the UK Population at some point in their lives. Symptoms can include: Intense anxiety in social situations, avoidance of social situations, physical symptoms of anxiety, including confusion, pounding heart, sweating, shaking, blushing, and muscle tension.

This disorder can also prevent people from getting help, due to shame and fear of being in social situations.

Steve Light, Founder of Leading Light, said today: "I have worked with many people over the past 6 years and many of them have been put off by long waiting lists for psychological treatment. When they do finally get a place, some only get 6 weeks of 1-hour sessions with a therapist. It's simply not enough. Mental health has been put on the backburner for too long and things must change. I have written a short book about my experiences of suffering with social anxiety disorder and my insights into the condition, that I hope will create awareness and help others get the support they so desperately need."

Social Anxiety Inside Out will be available for free on digital formats from 8:00 GMT January 30^th - 8:00 February 2^nd 2015. Softcover additions are also available.

Leading Light is passionate about supporting people with social anxiety gain confidence and freedom in their lives. They offer help, support and guidance for people suffering with the effects of social anxiety and related issues through various workshops, events and other avenues.

Website: http://www.socialanxietyinsideout.com

Image: http://www.stevelight.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SAIO-COVER.jpg

SOURCE Leading Light