In 30 poignant seconds, the spot illustrates the symptoms of the disorder by capturing people in public moments of private agony. Literally up against the wall, a man anxiously tries to pull himself together. Another sits alone and dejected in the dark, the television his solitary companion. At the office a woman grimaces at the prospect of an impending staff meeting. From behind a blind, a man peers at an active world outside, unable to cross the threshold.
Questions reinforce the hallmarks of the disease.
With the increased social activity of the holidays and millennial fever enhancing feelings that it's all too much, the spot has scored an emotional bullseye. Many beleaguered ex-bon vivants are questioning if their desire to pass on the office party is more than just disaffection with the tired old drill. Others wonder if social anxiety disorder is merely shyness with a hospital billing code - the latest disease du jour designed by the medical industry to separate neurotic boomers from their bucks. Fear of humiliation through chosen actions or inactions. No matter what victims do, they view the outcomes as unsatisfactory because of their involvement.