The Road to Recovery

By learning about social anxiety disorder, you've taken the first step on the road to recovery. Next, seek help from a doctor, or if you've already seen a doctor, stick with your treatment plan and take one day at a time. These points may help you on your way:

1.	Don't let others discourage you or tell you to "snap out of it." There's no need to be ashamed; you should take social anxiety disorder as seriously as you would any other illness
2.	Learn as much as you can about social anxiety disorder. This booklet is a good start. Visit the library or various Internet Web sites, read the books listed on the following pages or ask your doctor for more information. You can also get plenty of information from the national support organizations listed at the back of this booklet.
3.	Seek support from others. Because of the very nature of social anxiety disorder, this may be difficult for you. However, many people who have joined social anxiety disorder support groups, or have spoken to others with social anxiety disorder, find it a very helpful and positive experience
4.	Take an active role in your recovery. If you haven't felt any improvement after a few months of therapy, feel free to discuss a change in your treatment program with your doctor

Most importantly, know that you can overcome social anxiety disorder. Keep a goal in mind, whether it's to speak to a group of people, ask someone for a date, go to a party or make new friends. Recovery may take work, but it's well worth the effort.

REFERENCES
1)	[ADAA Social Phobia booklet, p1]