However Bonior advises that you visit with your GP or a professional to talk about the feelings you are experiencing, so that you can figure out ways to work on it. This will be personalised to you, and could be a list of self-care tips, a series of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions, or a course of antidepressants.

It’s also advisable to be honest with your friends, so that they can better understand your behaviours and support you during this time.

Writing on Psychology Today, Dr Barbara Markway said: “Keep in mind, even people who look completely confident and self-assured on the outside still have their struggles – it’s part of being human. But because of the isolation and avoidance associated with shyness and social anxiety, too often we don't realise this.

“When we take the risk to reach out to others, to share our vulnerabilities, we learn that we're not alone. We also learn that we love and are loved not in spite of our imperfections, but because of them.”

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Scientists reveal why you need to stop flaking on plans with friends, ASAP