<s>[INST] im 15 and have always been really shy and nervous but over the past 3 weeks its got a lot worse im fine at home but when im out i cant speak and it feels like the words are stuck in my throat i can talk to people i know really well but not in groups of more than about 3-4, it seems to worse everyday and even if im taking to my form tutor at school for a long time i have to force myself to speak, i really hate it and i don t know what to do about it or how to explain it to my friends [/INST] Hello, Social anxiety is commonly due to fear, fear of being criticized, fear of meeting people, fear to hang around with friends, tendency to avoid people, having a blank mind (not knowing what to talk), etc. It is basically because you are very sensitive, self-conscious & get embarrassed too fast.  Try to be less sensitive, confident, don't think what people may say and be expressive. When you make a mistake, don't get angry or embarrassed rather laugh at it when others laugh so that slowly you get comfortable and your friends start enjoying your funny company. If you think you lack topic to discuss or talk, buy joke books (read it) and start cracking jokes from time to time. Everyone loves a happy person. Social anxiety is a fully treatable and can be overcome with effective therapy, work, and patience. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in the childhood sometimes make people anxious, come out of your hurt, fears and bad memories. You can contact a counselor or a psychotherapist, cognitive behavioral therapy is effective. It will help to build confidence, learn skills that help you manage the situations that scare you most, and then get out it faces the world comfortably. Avoid people with whom you are not comfortable, stay positive about yourself, do not undermine yourself, cut on addictions if any. Stay well nourished and well HY Chat Doctor.  Medicines like SSRIs may help, you can take it initially for a few days after getting clinically assessed by a GP. Do not depend on medicines, the symptoms may get worse because of dependency. Switch to healthy lifestyle, do exercises, make new friends, stay cheerful. Never let negative thoughts overtake you. Never get hopeless. Every individual is unique and beautiful. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  </s>