In some cases, symptoms of social anxiety lessen as an individual gets older. But for many people, anxiety and distress persists if they do not seek out treatment. There is treatment available that helps an individual with Social Anxiety Disorder to improve their quality of life. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and exposure, an individual can face their fears in a safe environment. By moving towards what provokes anxiety instead of avoiding it, a person comes to learn that they can tolerate discomfort and finds that their distress decreases over time.