Does Susan Boyle suffer with social anxiety? This is just one of the many topics that Nick Hanlon has discussed on his blog, "Social Anxiety to Social Confidence". Nick does a nice job of covering a variety of topics about social anxiety disorder (SAD), and includes a bit of background about himself and his personal connection to SAD. If you haven't yet visited his blog, I recommend having a look.

I remember hearing once that everything invented after you turn 35 is "new" technology to be feared, while those things that you grew up with are second nature. Since I am just on that age cusp, I am lucky to have already adopted computers, the internet, and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. By the time the next technology wave hits, I will be too old to learn anything new!

What does this have to do with social anxiety disorder? I was just reading an article about how Facebook can help kids with social anxiety. This might appear counterintuitive at first, since social networking online is more impersonal than face-to-face interaction. However, the author does make some good points:

• Facebook can help your children stay in touch with old friends
• Facebook allows shy children to practice social skills
• Online social success will lead to greater confidence

I think as with all things, Facebook in moderation could certainly help shy or socially anxious children connect with others. As long as Facebook is used as a tool to meet others, rather than as a means of replacing contact in real life, then it could certainly be put to good use.

For those parents over 35 ... unfortunately you will have to go online and learn how to use these tools. Sharing the experience of Facebook with your child is one of the only ways to make sure that they stay safe.

What do you think? Is Facebook a help or a hindrance for people with social anxiety?

Photo © Microsoft

Most of us know that exercise is good for lifting your mood. Wayne Patrick Sheeran is discovering that it is also good for coping with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Sheeran has been running with Victoria, British Columbia running group "Every Step Counts", a group designed to help those with mental health problems among other personal issues.

Sheeran reports that participating in the twice-weekly run has led to improved sleep. In addition, he runs alongside a dozen other people, challenging his beliefs and anxiety about spending time with others. This is one example of how simple coping strategies can go a long way toward improving symptoms of SAD. Although there is no substitute for professional treatment such as medication or therapy, using coping strategies such as exercise can help to improve your daily life.

Photo © Microsoft

Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis was placed on the disabled list on Thursday due to social anxiety disorder. This is not the first episode for Willis who also had a stint on the DL earlier this year with the same problem. Willis still maintains that he feels no nervousness on the field and that he believes the problem is mechanical.

I have been following the emerging diagnoses of SAD in baseball with interest. Unfortunately in the case of Dontrelle Willis, it seems like some pieces of the puzzle are missing. Unlike Zack Greinke and more recently Khalil Greene, there isn't any evidence that Willis is struggling with anxiety. One of the cardinal features of SAD is that the sufferer is acutely aware of the anxiety that comes with speaking or performing in public. Unless I've missed something, this just doesn't seem to be the case for Willis. We may very well see in the near future stricter standards for diagnosing the disorder among players. At the very least, full disclosure about how the diagnoses are being made would go a long way to maintaining fan support.

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images