Cornish man shares journey with social anxiety to support NHS awareness campaign
A Cornish man is speaking out about living for decades with undiagnosed social anxiety as part of a new NHS campaign aimed at tackling misconceptions about common anxiety disorders.
Last updated 18 hours ago
Neil Greening, who once cycled two miles home from school each lunchtime to avoid sitting with classmates, says the condition is far more than shyness.
"It's so easy for people to think, oh, that person's quiet, maybe they're shy or offhand, when actually for many people it's really big," he explains.
"One in 20 people have the disorder to an extent that limits their life… they might choose jobs that involve less personal interaction, have fewer friends, and struggle to find a partner."
Neil credits Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with helping him rebuild confidence, using techniques like breathing exercises and gradual exposure to social situations.
Neil discovered the term social anxiety online in 1999 and later sought help through his GP.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helped him rebuild confidence using techniques like breathing exercises and gradual exposure to social situations.
Now running a charity supporting young people with anxiety, he urges those affected not to dismiss symptoms:
"If you recognise the symptoms, look at the website, get a self-help book, spend time understanding the condition, and perhaps join a group when one is set up in Cornwall," he says.
"You can challenge yourself safely in a supportive environment and learn to feel the fear and do it anyway."
Highlighting the importance of awareness, Neil adds:
"If you know social anxiety can exist, you’ve got a chance. Googling it, finding out about it, and accessing therapy can make an amazing difference."
The NHS campaign notes that nearly 60% of the public are unaware of common anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and phobias.
It aims to encourage people to seek help earlier and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
NHS Talking Therapies gives practical skills and techniques to overcome common anxiety conditions, like Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder, Phobias and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
It involves talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone or in person.
For more information on the campaign and support services, visit the NHS website or local mental health providers.