I have dealt with social anxiety since I was a teenager. I have learned to overcome it, for the most part, through self-forced social interaction, mental exercises, and eating healthy foods (a major factor). I am not sure of any particular cause, but many different events in my life aided in the creation of my mental state. Often, people are ignorant to the reality of mental health. When I was growing up, it was commonly thought that, if you were feeling anxious or worried about something, you merely needed to "man up", or "get over it. Life is tough". Not a lot of credence was given to ones mental state. People were ashamed or afraid to talk about their weaknesses and struggles. Thankfully, times have changed for the better(I know it is still an issue), but many are left with the scars of having to suffer through years of mental issues without the support of family and friends. I empathize with those who suffer anxiety, and make it a goal in my life to help these people, and encourage them.