Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "Understand the basic differences between introversion and social anxiety so you don't misdiagnose yourself", The reason I chose this topic is because many people like to judge themselves in a way that makes thing worse, Some people like to judge based on what they like but don't have time to think about what makes them stay in good preparation, when they do something based on expectations only, they will do something that can cause social anxiety because they think what they do is always right for other people's shake, since not many people know how to deal with social anxiety, let's delve deeper into the fundamental differences between introversion and social anxiety to ensure you don't misdiagnose yourself. An accurate understanding will help you recognize the characteristics of yourself or others more precisely.
Introversion: More Than Just Shyness
- Definition: Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on one's internal world, such as thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It is not a deficiency or a problem but rather a natural preference in how someone processes information and gains energy.
Source of Energy:
- Recharging Their Own Battery: Introverts gain energy from time spent alone or in quiet, reflective activities. Social interactions, especially intense or prolonged ones, can drain their energy.
- Quality Over Quantity: They tend to prefer deep, meaningful interactions with a few close people rather than many superficial interactions with many people.
Social Preferences:
- Enjoying Solitude: Introverts often enjoy spending time alone reading, writing, reflecting, or pursuing personal hobbies. This alone time is important for them to process experiences and restore energy.
- Choice in Interactions: They don't always avoid social interactions, but they tend to choose smaller, more intimate events or activities. They may feel more comfortable in one-on-one conversations than in large groups.
Feelings in Social Situations:
- Not Anxious or Afraid: Introverts do not feel anxious or afraid in social situations. They may feel tired or overwhelmed after too much interaction, but this is different from anxiety.
- Choosing Not to Participate: They may choose not to participate in social events due to personal preference, not because of fear or anxiety. They may feel more productive or relaxed doing something else.
Strengths of Introverts:
- Deep Reflection: Introverts tend to think deeply and reflect on various things. They often have a rich understanding of themselves and the world around them.
- Creativity and Innovation: Many introverts are very creative and innovative because they spend time thinking and developing new ideas.
- Good Listeners: Introverts tend to be good listeners because they prefer to listen and observe rather than talk.
- Example: Someone who, after a day working in a busy environment, chooses to go home and read a book or watch a movie alone rather than go out with friends. They feel more relaxed and energized afterward.
Social Anxiety (Social Phobia): More Than Just Shyness
- Definition: Social anxiety is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and persistent fear of social situations in which a person may be judged or humiliated by others. It is a mental health condition that can significantly affect daily life.
Source of Fear:
- Fear of Being Negatively Evaluated: People with social anxiety fear being negatively evaluated by others. They worry about doing or saying something that will make them look foolish, strange, or incompetent.
- Constant Feeling of Being Judged: They feel that everyone is watching and judging them, even in the most ordinary situations.
- Behavior in Social Situations:
- Avoiding Social Situations: They tend to avoid social situations or face them with great fear and anxiety. This can include avoiding parties, meetings, public speaking, or even interacting with strangers.
- Physical Symptoms: Social anxiety is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty speaking. These symptoms can worsen fear and anxiety.
- Safety Behaviors: To reduce anxiety, they may use "safety behaviors" such as avoiding eye contact, speaking in a soft voice, or always bringing a friend.
- Feelings in Social Situations:
- Anxious and Afraid: People with social anxiety feel very anxious, afraid, and uncomfortable in social situations. They may experience panic attacks in very frightening situations.
- Feeling Judged: They feel that everyone is watching and judging them, and they worry about what others think of them.
- Impact on Life:
- Social Isolation: Social anxiety can lead to social isolation because the person avoids interacting with others.
- Difficulties in Work and Education: It can affect performance at work or school, especially if the job or study involves social interaction.
- Other Mental Health Problems: Social anxiety often occurs together with other mental health problems such as depression, other anxiety disorders, or substance abuse.
- Example: Someone who feels very nervous and afraid when they have to speak in public or attend events where they don't know many people, so they try to avoid them altogether. They may experience physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and cold sweats.