Am I an Introvert? Or Do I have Social Anxiety?

Introversion, shyness, and social anxiety are commonly used interchangeably.

However, there are very distinct characteristics to each and they should not be confused.

What it means to be an introvert?

A person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social Anxiety is one of the five major types of anxiety disorders. It is fear or apprehension about social interactions or performance situations such as:

• public speaking
• engaging in meetings or classes
• meeting new people
• going to social events or activities
• talking on the phone
• expressing opinions

Social anxiety occurs when you are exposed to judgment, scrutiny, or rejection in a social or performance situation.

Introvert vs Social Anxiety

The main differences between introversion and social anxiety are:

1. Introverts recharge and feel energized when they are alone whereas social anxiety is a fear of social interactions.
2. You are born with introversion; it is a personality trait. Social anxiety is developed based on your environment.
3. Being an introvert is a way of life, you are in control of your choices.
4. Introverts aren’t afraid of what others think, but with social anxiety, you fear judgment from social interactions or performances.
5. Introverts like to keep their social circle small, build meaningful relationships and meet people on their own terms. Socially anxious people want to meet others but fear or avoid doing so.
6. Introverts are able to enjoy social activities. Socially anxiety makes it difficult to enjoy social engagements due to feelings of humiliation or embarrassment.
7. Introverts don’t have a perfectionism attitude. Socially anxious people will have that all-or-nothing perception and negatively critique their performance.

A person can be both an introvert and socially anxious. Both introverts and extroverts can experience social anxiety. But being an introvert does not mean you are socially anxious.

Here are 11 signs your introversion may actually be social anxiety.

1. you want to go out, but feel unable to
2. you’re scared of being judged
3. you worry about getting to know people
4. you avoid situations even if you’ll miss out on opportunities
5. you cancel plans all the time
6. you still don’t enjoy yourself when you choose to go out
7. you feel the need to drink
8. you don’t feel like you can “turn it on” when you need to
9. alone time doesn’t really recharge you
10. you only feel comfortable with specific people
11. you have very specific places you like to go out

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, talking to someone you trust about social anxiety may help. Speak to someone, whether a friend or a psychiatrist, to work through any issues you may be experiencing.

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