How do I tell someone I have social anxiety?

Remind them that while they may feel distressed, the feeling will pass. Work with the irrational thoughts and acknowledge that the person is worried. For example, try something like: “I can understand why you feel that way, but I can assure you that its just your anxiety. It isnt real.”

Is being shy a mental disorder?

Many suffer from more than just shyness, experts say. They have a condition called social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. The condition has been officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder since 1980.