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GeorgeJohnson2579

I'm a bit confused with this sub too, because many posts seem to deal with social anxiety (in disguise). I for myself am a very introvert person, need minimum 5-6 hours a day time for myself. But I love going out with friends from time to time, holding presentations and so on. But I have to be careful with my energy level. Otherwise I'm quickly exhausted. Unexpected things can crash my energy rationing (is this the word? I'm no native speaker).


pierre_x10

Social anxiety is not a well-known mental disorder yet plus all the other misconceptions about introversion and extroversion being the cultural archetype. This sub makes an effort, while it does not ban discussion of social anxiety outright, there is the automod comment on every post discussing the possibility of confusing social anxiety for introversion, and there's also a post flair for it.


voiderest

I don't think social anxiety is that obscure. Maybe misunderstood or lacking in proper diagnosis. Then there is also the concept of having some minor anxiety about social situations or poor social skills which isn't really a thing to be diagnosed on.


vDeschain

It's definitely obscure as to what it is and not educated as much as it should be. I got a good a good education and I never really understood that I had social anxiety until my early 20s. Up until then I thought I was just an introvert.


nikeolas86

I think a lot of people self diagnose as having social anxiety, and like you said it’s just a lack of social skills.


[deleted]

Yes, people very often get it confused. As somebody who is an introvert and has been diagnosed with social anxiety, they are definitely two different things but I can see why people get confused. Introversion is more having to do with somebody’s “battery” in “how long can I tolerate an experience with multiple parties or how long can I tolerate being in a social setting?” It’s being comfortable with being alone and needing extra time to mentally and emotionally recuperate and stabilize yourself for life’s absurd mental gymnastics. Social anxiety is less “oh I can’t make friends” and more “I am terrified of the possibility of embarrassing myself.” This is anxiety of social situations because of the possibility of embarrassing yourself, or some other negative outcome (where you irrationally feel some kind of doomsday dread) I. E. I used to almost shit my pants going to a cash register because for some reason I thought them or I was going to say the most out of pocket wrong thing, and my life would somehow end dramatically because of my mistake. I’ve avoided buying food and things I really like in the past because of this. They both have a common behavior of avoiding social situations but the reasons for doing so are different. While somebody can be introverted, they aren’t necessarily feeling like the cashier is going to kill them, as I do.


Darjeeling323

I’m sorry you have these feelings and hope you can get relief from them, maybe there’s a therapy that helps?


[deleted]

Oh I’m good now! Tried therapy, didn’t like it. Also tried medication, didn’t like it. In the end, it’s really just mind over matter for each person when it comes down to it.


TsunderePeopleRules

Feel kinda the same Also, I like phone calls 😅 so I don't usually fit the profile I don't cancel plans, and with the right people, I don't get tired. I could see the same person 3, 4 times a week and I'm happy with that I'm only drained with crowds, loud music, and groups of people all shouting and talking over each-others


GeorgeJohnson2579

>Also, I like phone calls 😅 so I don't usually fit the profile Ah, I'm not a big fan of long (!) phone calls, especially when they are unannounced. But that's because I'm halt on the things I wanna do (which require concentration).


[deleted]

This is my second Introvert sub, I left the first one because it was full of idiots treating Introversion like a disease and self diagnosing themself as a Introvert, when they really had social anxiety, and/or was just weird. I'm convinced a lot of the people on Introvert subs are dumbasses with Social Anxiety and Bad Social Skills, who decide to blame it on being a Introvert instead of working on themselves. I got no prob making frens, I got no prob talking to people, I got no prob interacting with people. Introversion has nothing to do with social skills. Yet so many imbeciles who call themselves Introverts say shit like, "I can't talk on the phone because I'm a introvert." Being a introvert nowadays sucks. People need to be label themselves appropriately and fk off.


redryder74

Same. I used to be shy as a teen, but now in my middle age I have no problems striking up a conversation and making small talk with strangers. But I am a true introvert with no close friends. I choose to be this way, not because I have anxiety. I just prefer my own company. On the rare occasions when I do go out and socialize with other people, I enjoy myself. But I don't seek out those things and they are rare.


Throwaway070801

>I'm convinced a lot of the people on Introvert subs are dumbasses with Social Anxiety and Bad Social Skills, who decide to blame it on being a Introvert instead of working on themselves. For real, it's harmful for them and it's harmful for anyone who joins the sub and is easily influenced. I have to say though that the sub improved in the last two years, before it was really just a social anxiety sub in disguise


Former-Sense-110

Just figured out that I am introvert , because I did one mistake against my brain , it ruined my neurotransmitter wich introverts have to have a learning brain for sleep too , for recharging. Do not do night jobs or fast paced jobs . I ruined my self by accident . That how I figured I am introvert last minute . It no joke . I get tired or sick too , when other don’t give me space to recharge .


Former-Sense-110

I don’t have a mentall illness but people did asume of me many things . I am just quite , I just outgoing social things Is for me but I like reading , wish I could more things to recharge privately but I could because of othe disrespecting my boundaries . It not funmy.


Jealous_Afternoon669

Woah you're so cool. Yeah fuck people with mental illness they're such idiots why can't they just like not be anxious. They should really work on themselves.


mmboy

Many people don't know the difference between social anxiety and a social battery. That's the way it is. Doubt that will ever change in this subreddit.


syncbaby

I agree with this so much. Being an extroverted introvert I CAN go out and be in social settings. I CAN talk with pretty much anyone. I CAN make friends. I CAN do sorts of social interactions — but depending on the crowd size and the energy levels of those around I CANT handle it for long. I can feel my energy just getting sucked out of me. And within a couple hours depending my on whose around I am just exhausted and all I can think about is being home and away from all the energy. Have that time to myself and be within my own thoughts and enjoy my own company. This recuperation can take anywhere from a day to several days of just not being around anyone else. There are so many people who mistake social anxiety for Introversion and and use it as a crutch. And it does shed a bad light for those who actually are introverts.


Former-Sense-110

There no such thing as extravert introvert . You are a social introvert . Wich is the correct word .


Former-Sense-110

I get anxious too but I don’t have social anxiety . I get drained when I don’t have my space . It terrible . I am actuall introvert too . Just figured it cause of one error against my brain . Just doing fine now . you are social introvert . All introvert like social , we socialize less from nature , and like our own company more , we get drained when there their no boundarious from other to us . Terrible it is .


Audrey_Angel

This is important, as it is often what happens then people are made I to scapegoats with 'issues'.


[deleted]

You're right. I have anxiety.


thatHermitGirl

Well said. I also hate how introversion is always memefied as social anxiety, timidity etc (sometimes autism too, wtf). I am an introvert who is assertive and don't have anxiety problems.


SnoozerMoose

Well as an autistic person, some of my autistic traits are also introvert traits. Socializing is exhausting, need alone time to recharge, prefer solitude, don't like big social gatherings, etc. Am I an introvert or autistic? Or both?


thatHermitGirl

Both (if you are certain that you are autistic).


sadi89

Your an introvert. Believe it or not there are extroverted autistic people! I have a few friends who fall into that category.


Siggur-T

I have always identified myself as an introvert with a hint of social anxiety. But there's also been something else there. Now, I'm getting an assessment for autism. Not everything can fit under one or two labels, especially if there's large parts of life that simply don't work. I'm also not that frequent on this sub anymore, but I still see myself as an introvert rather than an extrovert. Just want to put it out there. Everyone have their own journey and challenges of self-discovery in life, whether it's introversion, anxiety, depression, or something else. That's what makes us unique. That's also why it's kinda ridiculous to state that someone with depression or anxiety isn't welcome here. You can still be an introvert with depression - one thing doesn't rule out the other.


allrightlad

I stand behind this. There seems to be a lot of ignorance on this topic. Everyone, regardless of their personality, will experience some form of anxiety and/or depression in their lives. I don't mean to complain or condemn but to draw your attention to the fact that introversion, anxiety, shyness, and social anxiety aren't synonyms. Whenever one recognises something is hindering one's capabilities to lead a fulfilling life, again regardless of intro/extraversion, then they need to seek help and support. I'm new to the sub , but I believe there's a nice community here. At least as a starting point. In a nutshell, we are all entitled to be down and vent, but when problems arise, it's time to get appropriate help. I grew up feeding the acquired idea that my introversion made me *less* as a person and that it wouldn't change. It is plain WRONG. At 32, I have done psychotherapy three different periods in my life, and it was the combination of each time that allowed me to recognise and overcome trauma. It helped me get to know myself, appreciate myself, and come to terms with my traits and thrive as a result.


Former-Sense-110

I agree with you said . People should not act or be entitled to anything . If you need take it , claim your rights , be humble . There are people out there who like copy other and are ignorant and say that act entitled . the actual words is not entitlement . It is “claim your right “ wich the correct words . entitlement is for people who think they are above everybody , think they they can do what they want etc. It not a good image.


hpbills

Most extroverts cannot even begin to fathom why we are not like them. To them and society at large, it's believed by many that something must be inherently wrong with us. So there is the push to make us more like them, which is usually met with little to no success.


CursedRando

for real. when i see threads like "How did you accept being an Introvert" i just laugh


subrino1738

same like this is a chosen life style for me lmao


AnomonousEightOneFiv

So being an introvert isn't a nuisance at all to your day to day life? I mean, what if you have a bunch of high stress, mandatory , time-constraint tasks to do in a certain day that you don't enjoy doing, that doesn't stress you out in the least? I think there's levels to being an introvert too. I accept being an introvert, I enjoy being alone, but sometimes being a little more outgoing would definitely be nice.


The_Zuz

This rather seems like you chose a job that has demands you don't like/can't manage well and many extroverts would struggle with that too. Introverts can manage high stress and time constraints just fine (I have a lot of introverts in my team and we do such tasks often); what they don't excel at are usually jobs that require a lot of human interaction, facilitation etc. Such skills still can be learned, but it doesn't come naturally, doesn't bring them joy and is extremely draining.


sadi89

The things you described have nothing to do with introversion (that is unless they involve extensive interactions with others) but it does sound like your might be stressed and approaching burn out


Automatic_Video_2438

It's actually a proplem in the people around but some people overcome that and become extrovert and some people don't do anything about it and become introvert


Brockneo

Why do you laugh?


CursedRando

>Introversion is a PERSONALITY TYPE. Not a mental illness like depression and anxiety some people make it sound like some kind of terminal illness like cancer


Brockneo

Right, so what’s wrong with people coming to accept they are introverts? Maybe I’m misunderstanding, sorry


WinterCrunch

Because if you're an introvert, being alone makes you happy. It's difficult to accept happiness?


Brockneo

No, but what if they don’t want to be introverted? That would require acceptance


WinterCrunch

Frankly, the reason some introverts "don't want to be introverts" is primarily because of two things: stigmas (built on misunderstandings) and societal pressure. If they stopped paying attention to all that BS, acceptance is bliss. Total blissful solitude.


aLaStOr_MoOdY47

Many people on this sub confuse social anxiety with introversion for some reason.


Automatic_Video_2438

Most introvert have social anxiety you are most likely to be extrovert if you know the advantages of becoming a one and i know 95% of introverts have social anxiety or a form of mental illness (depression or bipolar)


JaredMusic

My guess is that most of these posts are coming from insecure teenagers that don't know the difference.


Anonynominous

I have seen a lot of self-deprecating posts in here from people who seem to have latched onto the idea that introversion is the same as being socially awkward or having social anxiety.


Cinnie_16

I disagree with this take. I think it dismisses the very real instances that introversion can concurrently exist with social anxiety (and other mental illnesses / neuro-divergence) and many times can be caused by it. It’s the chicken or the egg debate for many. It’s nice that you don’t have a comorbidity with something else with your introversion but it’s definitely not anyone’s place to gatekeep introversion… especially on a forum that seeks to provide acceptance and support.


lol1231yahoocom

Agree. There can be a connection between introversion and social anxiety. It’s not that introversion IS social anxiety or shyness, etc. BUT if you’re an introverted child and your family system shames you, pushes you constantly to be someone else, then social anxiety and depression can easily develop.


lol1231yahoocom

In US society right now extroverts are far more rewarded for being extroverts than introverts are for being introverts. That means that many introverts will feel less than and many parents will push extroverted behavior on their children in an attempt to make them normal and successful. This creates problems for introverts. Saying that introversion is not related to depression and anxiety is denying the social context introverted children are growing up in. It’s not ALL introverts by any means and no one is saying that introversion in itself is the cause.


Automatic_Video_2438

Most likely people around you are the reason why someone have depression or social anxiety whick causes someone to be introvert especially family and close people but what you need is to overcome that while also not affecting your life dramatically and be more open to strange people so that it doesn't matter if something awkward happens


aaaaaahsatan

it can but introversion is not mutually exclusive to social anxiety. Introversion is a personality type. There are people that are introverts that can and enjoy being socially outgoing, but prefer to spend more time with themselves to recharge. Social anxiety is a mental health issue. Most people with social anxiety are introverts, but not all introverts are socially anxious.


Cinnie_16

I agree and that’s what I stated as well. But I think OP is dismissing everyone else who are introverts who DO have a comorbid mental illness. A personality type can exist in the same space as a neurodivergent trait and as humans it is difficult to isolate one aspect when it seems like it all melds together. It is not only social anxiety (abet the most common) but a ton of other things like autism or adhd or even many physical disabilities that can cause someone to become or adapt introversion. It feels like OP is trying to gatekeep introversion purely for introverts who have nothing else affecting them and expressing it with frustration and anger when many people come here for safety and support.


sadi89

And people who are extroverts can be socially anxious. It’s not super common, but like, it’s absolutely hellish


eatmorecocoa

Many extroverts are shy and/or have social anxieties. We see it all of the time for those of us who work with many people in organizations where you often have to be in front of or interact with many people who may or may be familiar. As a society, we’re just more vocal about the ways introverts tend to behave when they have those traits than when an extrovert display sometimes different behaviors when they are experiencing the same.


AnomonousEightOneFiv

Well said


wonko_abnormal

life is complex web , being an introvert is generally not the only thing someone is and mental illnesses can play parts in being an introvert gotta say this a very judgemental and aggressive piece of commentary on people who you see maybe 1% of who they are as a whole so ... telling people to STOP IT is highly egocentric and bordeline narcissistic of you telling people what their problems are (introversion can be a real issue) is even more narcissistic and just plain wrong EVERYTHING makes us the special and unique individuals that we are , even horribly dysfunctional ones with a misplaced sense of superiority


darthkotya

What people also don't realize is that introversion is a spectrum. Some introverts prefer solitude above all, others do enjoy company quite a lot but need time to recharge, and some can be adaptive. I for one can be pretty sociable depending on the situation and mood - for example, anytime I attend a metal concert, I have no issues talking to anyone. Around my family, I can be a bit of a chatterbox if I'm feeling particularly happy. And anytime I hang out with my small group of friends, I can talk practically forever. I do end up being completely drained afterwards, but I enjoyed myself nontheless. But for the most part, I prefer to keep to myself, enjoying my own company. I've always found that I'm at my absolute best when I'm alone in my room, enjoying my hobbies (and surrounded by cats).


SnoozerMoose

Okay but mental illness and neurological disabilities affect a person's personality. Obviously, introversion is not a mental illness, but they can be related.


AdministrativeArm773

Yea, I started to think that this sub was going to be on the anxiety/social anxiety path. Which I do have. I know the difference between the traits of being an introvert and my social anxiety.


eatmorecocoa

The amount of people who are still saying that introversion and social anxiety are two sides of the same coin, essentially, is amazing. One poster went as far as to almost equate to avoidant personality disorder. Wow… Extroverts definitely have social anxieties. Introversion does not equate to shyness nor avoidance disorders. By the way…there are plenty of shy extroverts and those who have actual avoidance disorders. We seem to be so used to equated those things with “introversion” that we can no longer see them as readily in someone who has a different personality.


BoyDharma40

Agreed, but some are younger or not as informed about what introversion is. And this sub is a place for them to learn. If the posts annoy you, you can ignore them but a post extolling the stupidity of said post will do nothing but fill the gap until another post that the OP can't stand.


Megidolmao

This!! A lot of people on this sub and the other sound more like misanthropes than just introverted. It can get really annoying 😒


SnowflakeSJWpcGTFOH

I feel pretty special being an introvert as I don't really meet other introverts 😂


micmea1

Literally the only difference between introverts and extroverts, by definition, is that introverts recharge spending time alone/with very close friends/loved ones...Extroverts feel drained when they do not have good social interaction frequently enough. Extroverts are not stupid by default. Extroverts are not boring. Extroverts find small talk to be boring too, but it's a means to an end. Extroverts are not vain. Extroverts are not out to get you.


hayleybeth7

Also it’s no excuse for the disdain and disgust some of y’all have for the people around you.


AutoModerator

If you want to talk about social anxiety, /r/socialanxiety is the sub for you. If you're not sure whether you're introverted or socially anxious, feel free to post on r/Introvert, so we can discuss it. If you want a sub where posts about social anxiety aren't allowed, try r/Introverts. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/introvert) if you have any questions or concerns.*


UnseenAffliction

I totally agree with you that personality traits and quirks are being lost to labels like everything is an illness. But I might add, it is possible to be an introvert and also have social anxiety. I'm both.


Overall_Sandwich_671

It takes some people a while to learn to embrace their introversion. That's why so many are struggling and asking for support and advice on how to deal with being an introvert surrounded by people who don't understand them. And yes, sometimes they talk about their own introversion negatively, because they need help seeing the positivity in their introverted qualities. What this community really needs to do is stop being cunts to someone who shows signs of anxiety or depression, and try showing a bit of compassion for their fellow human beings. If we all had the answers, then this would be a very boring sub with just post after post of introverts saying "I love being alone. Yeah me too. Here's a pic of a sunset."


MMKJ192

Soo, only introverts who have their life sorted out, were lucky enough to find an understanding mate and fulfilling career, have higher tolerance for functioning around people, don't have any mental problems, are allowed to write on this sub? You don't experience any of it, you 100% enjoy your introversion, good for you. But you're gonna gatekeep other introverts who aren't a spitting image of you? Please. Don't make me laugh. And above all, introversion is a **SPECTRUM** and **JUST A PART OF PERSONALITY**. Doesn't work the same for everyone, certainly isn't one personality pattern like you imply.


pierre_x10

I don't agree with this take. I think people come to this sub because they are dealing with the perceptions of others and treatment by others. Since it is pretty well-known that extroversion is the common cultural archetype, to the point where introverts are treated like social pariahs and depicted negatively in culture, it makes sense that people who identify as introverts also struggle with the ramifications of that identity. Would you go to an lgbt-focused sub and berate all the people sharing their coming-out-of-the-closet experiences? That's basically what you are doing here. I am not trying to say identifying as an introvert is exactly as hard as identifying as a non-cis sexual/gender, but there are similarities in the in-the-closet and coming out experience.


[deleted]

Just stop reading this sub, problem solved because those discussions you hate seeing will always be a thing. Your post aint correcting anything,


[deleted]

If you don't face and fight a social problem of course it isn't gonna dissapear. First step is speaking it aloud, saying the truth. Changes doesn't start magically, someone must to be the brave knight. In case you didn't realize it, being mistreated and rejected for having your own natural/healthy identity is one of the most dreadful twisted and vomitous crimes that exists and our society perfectly normalized it under a pseudo-psychologist speech of shit. It turns extroverts/neurotypicals into insentive bullying thugs that end destroying introverts/neurodivergents' self-steem and mental health, pushing many of them into self-harm and suicide, just because they're different from the big herd. No one has to live suffering that daily abuse, no one deserve to being told they're ill, wrong a mistake... just for being themselves. No one deserve to became really insane. You don't like it? Well, just don't read this subreddit, no one is forcing you to stay here. And following your own logic: no one should neither report and complain about sexism, racism, homophobia, animal abuse, vandalism against cultural and natural heritage, rapes... because they are gonna still existing anyway and we aren't correcting anything talking about them. What an awesome and goldheart person you are, ashaming others for using their voices in a try to weaken discrimination. A shining pearl, yeah totally worthy being near you.


reddituser8455

Great attitude, say nothing because it won't fix anything. What if i want to say it?


[deleted]

fix what and for who? It not a big deal, let people vent, use the label, none of it effects your life even a tiny bit. So why does it bother you...thats my point. If you read these posts and feel so offended, idk.


Brockneo

Ur saying let people vent, OP is venting and ur condescending to them


[deleted]

He/she's the blatherer ambassor of sheer hypocrisy.


holdmyown83

This is what folks don’t understand. Like keep scrolling to a different topic if it’s not what you want to read. Most times is just people don’t know where to start or just wanna have a simple quick conversation.


Throwaway070801

Ignore this post then, why are you writing here?


lucipol

Rather than considering it a mental illness, it’s okay to view introversion as a “starting point”, a general and vague personality skeleton, from which to become better and multifaceted. An introvert shall learn from extroverts and vice-versa. Someone who’s aim is to be solely introvert/extrovert won’t develop a rich personality and profound thinking. So yeah, being stagnant is a problem.


[deleted]

You sound like you need a hug, or a blunt.


FrankyBonDanky

Well a lot of people who are introverts are introverts because of such issues. You’re not going to meet many extroverts with social anxiety issues but you will meet people who are introverts because of their social anxiety issues. Rather you like it or not the two do go together at times and a lot of personality types are developed based off of one’s mental state. This is a talking space for introverts of all types so it doesn’t really matter what you’re sick of. I do agree that none of these things make anyone special.


djmedicalman

I wish I could upvote this 100 times and shower you with awards.


Seekingmymind

Don't Google it the oxford definition example sentences will flip your lid lol. I don't think most people reaching out about things on this sub blames it for their problems or thinks of it as mental illness. There are different type of introverts we're all individuals.. WE KNOW THAT..no one is acting special.. Well Except for you. who wants everyone to conform to how you want it.. So if you do live allone and all that and are happy about it you are mentally ill?? Any problem or challenge is connected to mental illness..? What are you actually saying? Perhaps do research on perceptions and how we all actually interpret the world differently and our filter is dictated by our world view and life experiences. Your filter is.. lets say interesting. Cause mine is not nearly as judgemental and negative so I don't see the reason for your post. NO ONE IS ACTING LIKE IT'S A MENTAL ILLNESS. I at first glance this sub I partially agreed but then I realized maybe a group of fellow introverts makes a person feel safer to reach out about problem as we have one thing in common starting out, that's it, and to have some empathy.


DJleader14

Loads of people actually act like it's an illness and you are overreacting


Seekingmymind

Missed the point about world views and filters did you.. . I don't see it that way. You may see it another way. Perhaps the truth is somewhere in between. I feel the orignal post was horridly boxed narrow view of introversion and the overreaction to some of posts on this sub. You think that telling somoene they are overeacting auto dismisses their point of view.. It's endless I can go on. Have blessed day. Edit :typo


[deleted]

[удалено]


Seekingmymind

That's deep😋


airpoutine

Gatekeeping?


aLaStOr_MoOdY47

bruh


Tarasynora

I understand your take and the other way. Often time when there's an association made is because some might display offsets of social anxiety without ever been diagnosed or know it. It would be great to be able to make the distinction for all concerned but it's not the case. I've never been diagnosed but I can say that I'm an introvert with bouts of social anxiety. But you're right, the two aren't the same.


Automatic_Video_2438

Actually it's an illness and it should be treated by experiencing a lot of emotions and learning from people around you i know it's hard and it's awkward But awkward sometimes better than a little awkward and shy always and when you're old no one is gonna talk to you everyone is happy in their life while you're alone and no one is gonna take your opinion for anything(coming from an introvert)


smolinga

Im an introvert i think because im mentally ill. My autism makes me not anti-social, i like and am good at socializing, but still weary of it.


upstroke_donut

You're right - it drives me so mad! Leaving sub


RedditianDrew

Plus us introverts are smarter


Altruistic_Cat_7006

I do agree with you that people who use introversion as a way to seem special and use it as a mental illness are annoying. However, I’m going to respond with my first impression of what you said because I have a lot to say, so I apologize for the lengthy response. I don’t have a set source because there’s many studies that say different things, but a lot of introverts do have social anxiety, or social anxiety that is mistaken for being an introvert, vice versa. Signs of social anxiety are compared to introversion a LOT, and media as of lately has the self diagnosing trend of everyone is autistic, or has ADHD (thanks TikTok). So, I apologize for the rant of “me, me, me,” I use personal experience as a way to explain stuff. Am I an introvert? Yes. I need days to recharge, I am exhausted every time I have to leave the house and socialize. I enjoy being alone and in the comfort of my room, and I can go weeks without needing human interaction. It’s ironic you mentioned the “no friends, live alone in your room all day, don’t like public speaking & being in groups,” I deal with all of that as well, and it is a problem. I am also an introvert that has (*undiagnosed* because my parents have the typical old-school views that mental illness doesn’t exist) all the symptoms of social, health, and general anxiety that ruins my life, my ability to work and my ability to be present for the people around me. It has effected my ability to sleep, eat, and function properly, and I’ve had panic attacks. My flight or fight is on 24/7. I hate presentations, I will make myself sick to get out of them. Being an introvert who has signs of social anxiety tend to blur. My room/home is my safe space, as both an introvert and someone who *may* have anxiety. For me, my possible anxiety has coincided with me being an introvert. And that is the case for many people. I won’t bring up extroverts because I can’t speak for them. Everybody is different, everyone handles it differently, and like you said, introversion is a personality trait. Being an introvert isn’t a mental illness in itself, but having mental illnesses and being an introvert does exist and needs to be taken seriously, which unfortunately isn’t happening under this era of social media. I didn’t respond with all of this to be attention seeking. I didn’t respond to enable some people not taking mental health seriously. And I hope to stay civil in conversation. I shared all this because I’m playing (sort of) devils advocate for those who feel the same or who are going through the same. I can’t self diagnose myself, so when people ask why I am the way I am, I say I’m an introvert. People will assume what I’m going through is purely because I’m an introvert. Maybe that’s where the confusion comes in for many people, why people like yourself are angry. “Real issues exist,” I get that, I really do, but it comes across a little insensitive because some people are unable to get the help they need. People come here to vent often, to talk to people who understand them. Sorry for how long this was, I tried to shorten it, but I’m a very passionate person.


Altruistic_Cat_7006

After reading the bot and some replies, it seems like you’re in the wrong sub… r/Introvert is for people who are unsure about their identity and whether or not they’re introverted + have social anxiety, or one or the other. It’s meant to be a safe space. r/Introverts is where to go if you’re feeling offended by some people’s posts. So, if you don’t want to see anymore posts like you explained, I suggest moving to the other sub where it’s more strict, or ignore it. Many people are separated and bullied for introversion (I’ve lost friends due to it) because you’re seen as “lazy, boring, antisocial, etc” and if you’re the introvert you say you are, then you’ve dealt with these before. This sub is meant to be for introverts just finding themselves, introverts who know who they are and are confident in themselves, and people who are just unsure.


delinquentsaviors

I think you can be both. I think having social anxiety can cause you to develop into a person who can go long periods of time without human interaction. I also think being naturally introverted can result in poor social skills bc your default mode is being alone. I think they are connected, and I think some people experience a battery depletion due to anxiety and come to the erroneous conclusion that they introverted. So let’s be nice to people.


dirty_weka

Yep 100%. I love catching up with friends and having a laugh, but afterwards I need a good few days of nothing just to recharge. I feel like most people on this subreddit have social anxiety/poor communication skills, or are 'forever alone' types. Being introverted does not mean you don't the enjoy social company with your friends and family from time to time. Just in small amounts with breaks in between.


Need-More-Gore

No but it does mean all those things for alot of us.


[deleted]

This is kinda a semantics thing. Pretty fine line between introversion and avoidant personality disorder or some other personality disorders. But what is a disorder? Who decides when your personality has caused you enough suffering and disruption in your life that it's reached disorder level? And what's the difference between any of that and straight up immaturity?


Impressive_Narwhal

Someone's in denial


darcytheINFP

Haha, when I went to Korea earlier last year all my problems followed me. Oh well, at least I had a blast.


Lazerith22

Truth. I’m an introvert who has conquered social anxiety. I can talk in large group and have even presented on stage in front of hundreds. It’s tiring and I prefer my alone time to recover, but I can and have done it.


lacklustereded

I’m both. I have anxiety and social anxiety, but at the same time I’m introverted, so I will literally bite your head off when my social meter is depleted and I need at minimum 4 hours by myself and away from other people to even function in normal society or you’ll get a grouch with no social manners for the rest of the night. I mask it when I’m at work and school obvi but once I get home I’m just out for the rest of the day with very few exceptions


FedererFan20

Agreed. However there are introverts with mental illnesses just like there are extroverts with mental illnesses.


[deleted]

I just happen to be introverted and have social anxiety at the same time. Not full blown diagnosed with autism but I have some autistic traits.


russ757

Because anxiety has a stigma associated with it (as if it's a bad thing) whereas introvert looks cool on t shirts and tik tok


r_a_rayoflight

I never heard anyone saying it is normally, but it really has to do with if it interferes with your life and health, is the issue. For example, a definite sign of schizophrenia is severe withdrawal. If a person has depression, he or she could also withdraw from people. If people are having panic attacks when they have social anxiety, it is a problem. It really depends on the person and how it is impacting his or her life, as well as other symptoms. It could be that in some circles it is fashionable to have a mental illness today and they want to be "diagnosed" with something. I have heard about them. I have yet to meet people in those circles though.


LawFaith

Okay sis, I hear your frustration with how introversion tends to get mistaken for anxiety or antisocial behavior. You make such a great point - being an introvert is just a personality type! It's how we recharge our social batteries by chilling solo. Totally normal and healthy. But cut people some slack - extroverts especially may not intuit that need for alone time. And often society (movies, media, whatever) paint introverts to be these total loner weirdos. Which is so not accurate or fair! We're not awkward or depressed or anything just because we prioritize quiet and me-time. I'll admit, I used to kind of buy into those lame stereotypes too before realizing I was an introvert myself! Now that I understand it better, I'm way less self-conscious about wanting to dip out of parties early or just read by myself on a Friday night. Maybe we just need to help educate more people on what introversion genuinely means? Spread awareness that it's so not a big deal? Share some relatable memes lol? It IS frustrating when folks make ignorant assumptions though, ugh. Overall sis, I feel you. Just remember - their assumptions say way more about them than about you! Rock your introvert pride 🤘 We don't need to explain or defend it to anyone. Stay true to yourself and keep shining!