While it’s best to visit a forum dedicated solely to social anxiety disorder (SAD), some overall mental health forums may also have specific boards dedicated to different disorders. The best forum will combine a large membership, proactive moderators who monitor posts and flag inappropriate content, and an easy-to-use interface. It’s also important to note that a social anxiety forum will be asynchronous in nature, meaning that you and the other members can read and post at your convenience. This differs from a chat room, in which it is generally expected that you will enter and chat consistently for a specified period before leaving. In this way, discussion forums are less demanding of your time and can be visited when your schedule permits. The best social anxiety forum for your individual situation will depend on how comfortable you feel with other members and how easy you find it to use the website. Try out a few when you are first starting to get a feel for which one suits you best. Over time, you may find that you develop online friendships at a particular forum, and that may be the one that attracts you the most. While a social anxiety forum is a good place to connect with others and share experiences, it is not appropriate for seeking help during times of severe stress or anxiety. In those instances, it is better to consult with your doctor or a mental health practitioner. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
