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Can you be an introvert and have social anxiety?
Both introverts and extroverts can be socially anxious It may sound counterintuitive, but it is true! Introverted and extraverted individuals may both experience social anxiety. While extroverts may enjoy socializing with others and enjoy social interaction, they may still feel anxious around others at times. And indeed, anxiety is more common among introverts than extroverts, according to Laurie Helgoe. Sometimes anxiety is obvious (think: panic attacks and sweaty palms), but that’s not always the case. Many people live with a form called “high-functioning anxiety.” Outwardly, they appear to have it all together. The brain of an introvert can be a complicated web of ideas and thoughts. There is a lot of thinking activity going on in there most of the time! Being an introvert can be quite exhausting. Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good ‘communication skills’. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
What is it like to be an introvert with social anxiety?
Feeling like you can’t breathe. A constant, unrelenting worry that others think you’re stupid or annoying. The sudden urge to bolt from the crowd. This is what it can be like to experience social anxiety as an introvert, according to the introverts I spoke with. There’s a common misconception that introverts aren’t social. In fact, introverts can be just as social as extroverts. The difference between the two is that introverts lose energy when they’re around people and recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy by spending time with other people. Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion. Psychologist Laurie Helgoe says introverts hate small talk because it creates a barrier between people. Superficial, polite discussion prevents openness, so people don’t learn about each other. Deeper meaning: Helgoe again, “Introverts are energized and excited by ideas.
Do shy people have social anxiety?
While there are similarities between shyness and social anxiety disorder, research has shown that most people who are shy do not meet criteria for social anxiety disorder. One study found that 82% of people defined as shy, did not meet criteria for social anxiety disorder. Unlike shy people, Introverts are not necessarily bound by fear. If Introverts choose not to speak, it’s because they prefer not to rather than because they are afraid. The other side of that coin is that there is nothing basic to their makeup that stops Introverts from talking as much as they like. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends. The good news is social anxiety disorder is treatable. Learn more about the symptoms of social anxiety disorder and how to find help. Negative experiences. Children who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety disorder. In addition, other negative events in life, such as family conflict, trauma or abuse, may be associated with this disorder. As an introvert who avoids social interaction at nearly all costs, my biggest fear is being embarrassed. When I’m in public, I usually become solely focused on how I look to other people, what others think of me, and the assumptions they make of me.
How do I know if I have social anxiety or I’m just shy?
Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. People with social anxiety have an intense fear of situations where they could be watched, judged, embarrassed, or rejected by others. The symptoms are so extreme that they interfere with the person’s daily routine and prevent them from taking part in ordinary activities. But there is some common ground for introversion, shyness and anxiety. Introverts can experience a bit of anxiety when they need to speak in social situations. Introducing themselves, talking to a stranger or public speaking are mentally draining for them. You may be freaking out on the inside, but you’re stoic on the outside. People with high-functioning anxiety don’t show how nervous they are. They may appear completely calm and together even when a storm of fear is raging on the inside; they’ve learned to compartmentalize their emotions. Being asked to speak during a meeting, a surprise party or trip, or unexpectedly running into an acquaintance at the store can feel overwhelming to an introvert. Introverts may also experience more stress when they don’t have time to decompress or recharge themselves with some alone time.
Are introverts mentally strong?
Researchers from Yale University found that “introverts prone to melancholy seem to be more astute at understanding how we behave in groups than their gregarious peers.” Even though extroverts are generally credited with higher social intelligence, introverts have a strong understanding of the world around them. While introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that introverts are unhappy. Ultimately, it’s important to note the happiness benefits of both introverted and extroverted behavior, no matter where you fall on the spectrum. Introversion isn’t totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle. Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent. Introverts can become temporarily disillusioned by incidents that leave them feeling slighted, disrespected, overlooked, or mistreated.
Why is it hard for introverts to socialize?
People who are natural introverts often feel pressure to change. They worry that they are not outgoing enough, and so sometimes they push themselves to socialize in ways that cause them more stress than enjoyment. They make quality friends. Since introverts can feel their energy being drained by being around other people — as opposed to extroverts, who gain energy from being with others— introverts choose their friends wisely. The extreme introvert is typically thought to be very shy, to prefer solitude, and to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious in social situations. Extreme extraverts, on the other hand, are known for their sociability, enthusiasm, and confidence in the social arena. Introversion is a personality type characterized by traits such as reserve, passivity, thoughtfulness, and a preference to keep emotional states private. Introverts are most comfortable interacting in small groups and with one-on-one relationships, and are energized by spending time alone. Pressure to Self-Promote Discomfort with networking and a tendency toward humility can make self-promotion a challenge for many introverts. In addition, they value privacy, so blasting their accomplishments on social media feels uncomfortable.
Are most introverts shy?
Introverts are often described as quiet, reserved, and mellow, and are sometimes mistaken for being shy. While some introverts certainly are shy, people should not mistake an introvert’s reserve for timidity. Introverts are easily distracted by external stimuli and while they might be too nice to say anything, get very frustrated with constant interruptions when they are trying to concentrate. Introverts prefer quiet, minimally stimulating environments, while extroverts need higher levels of stimulation to feel their best. Stimulation comes in all forms – social stimulation, but also lights, noise, and so on. However, for introverts, this behavior is normal; it is not a sign of withdrawing from life. Because being around others is tiring for them, they need time alone in order to regain some of their energy. Being alone also gives them a chance to think and figure things out uninterrupted.