A 21-year-old university student from a small town in Zambia visits a campus health clinic, complaining of extreme fear and anxiety when speaking in public or participating in group discussions. For the past two years, he has avoided social events and academic presentations, fearing that others will judge him negatively or that he might embarrass himself. This intense anxiety causes him to sweat excessively, shake, and have difficulty speaking when he is in social situations, particularly in front of strangers or authority figures.

As a result, his academic performance has declined, and he often skips classes that require group participation. His friends have noticed that he avoids social gatherings and has become increasingly isolated. He describes feeling embarrassed about his anxiety but is unsure how to manage it. He has not sought help before, believing that he would eventually "grow out of it."

At the clinic, after a thorough assessment, the healthcare provider diagnoses him with social phobia (social anxiety disorder). The provider explains that his fear of being judged or humiliated in social situations is a recognized anxiety disorder and offers a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and anti-anxiety medication. The therapy focuses on helping him confront his fears gradually, while the medication helps manage the physical symptoms of anxiety.

With regular therapy and support from a campus counsellor, the student begins to face social situations with less fear. Although progress is slow, he starts attending smaller group discussions and social events, building confidence in his interactions over time.