Introversion vs Social Anxiety

Being introverted or feeling socially anxious are two things that, although they can go hand in hand, are not the same. The way we deal with social situations makes the difference between a personality trait (introversion) and a mental health problem (social anxiety).

What does it mean to be introverted?

People generally need some downtime or disconnection to rekindle our energy. after intense and/or long activities. Some people need to spend that time alone and, on many occasions, they need many periods of this type. Others, however, disconnect better by sharing recreational activities in a group or talking with others. This could be a difference between introverts and extroverts.

With the constant demands of work or study, juggling family schedules, and the accessibility of mobile technology, among other factors, more introverted people often feel like they don’t have enough time to disconnect. In this sense, Introverts may simply feel exhausted trying to balance everything they have to do with decreasing downtime or disconnection. This is especially difficult if you are surrounded by highly extroverted people.

Concretely, Introversion is a personality trait that includes the tendency to be inward-oriented. Introverts may appear shy and reflective, and may find social interactions and large groups exhausting. The opposite personality trait of introversion is extroversion, and the combination of introverted and extroverted behavior is called ambiversion.

However, Introversion is not a given for people who experience social anxiety. In fact, both introverts and extroverts can experience it.
Introversion is a personality trait, not a problem. People who are extremely introverted often do not reach out to others and may appear distant. Extreme introverts are less likely to seek out new experiences and tend to have their outward emotional expression restricted, making them appear depressed or unhappy.

On the other hand, introverts do not usually enjoy interacting in large groups and prefer to spend more time alone or in the company of a small number. However, they can be excellent communicators. In many cases, introverts have strong listening skills and may take special care to process and produce messages.

What is social anxiety

Social anxiety is a mental health problem that, with help, can be managed. Like any other type of distress or anxiety, social anxiety often makes a person feel less capable, resulting in them appearing to shrink their world and withdraw into themselves.

Social anxiety or social phobia is the fear of being in social situations or of being with other people outside the environment of closest friends and family. Many people have a little anxiety about socializing; In fact, almost everyone worries from time to time about what others think of them and how they will perform socially, if they will be liked by others, etc. However, if this type of anxiety is persistent and the fear prevents you from making real connections with others, therapy could be an appropriate way to learn to relax and feel more confident.

Some forms of social anxiety are the following:

1. Intense fear of social situations
2. Self-awareness of being judged by others and concern about what others think
3. Constant review of interactions with others and self-criticism of behavior
4. Belief that everyone else knows about one’s own anxiety and that this is noticeable through physical symptoms or that even others are capable of knowing what one is thinking.
5. Evasion due to the social humiliation that is felt and that is evident.

Social anxiety can come from feelings and beliefs acquired in childhood, feelings and beliefs that lead us to feel inadequate, incompetent, worthless, shy, powerless, or even ashamed of ourselves. Examining your sense of self and beliefs about yourself can help unravel social anxiety.