How do I overcome social anxiety in general?

Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. About half of the people with this disorder experience anxiety only in specific situations, particularly those involving some type of public performance such as speaking in front of people. Others have the generalized form, experiencing fear in almost any social situation. Both medication and psychotherapy help relieve symptoms. Medication tends to work faster, but cognitive behavioral therapy may have more long lasting benefits.