Severe Social Anxiety vs Being an Introvert [Key Differences]

Not everyone loves to socialize, and being an introvert is extremely common. But when does being an introvert get confused for social anxiety? What are the signs that social anxiety deserves intervention from a psychologist or psychiatrist?

In this video, clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula and MedCircle host Kyle Kittleson break down severe social anxiety vs being introvert. There are key differences you should know.

In this video, Dr. Ramani answers...
- From the perspective as a psychologist—when does social anxiety become a real concern?
- What are the potential mental health conditions that may cause social anxiety?
Additionally, is it genetic, environmental, or both?
- What are the signs that someone is experiencing severe social anxiety vs being an introvert or having a little “performance anxiety”?

#SocialAnxiety​ #Introvert​ #MedCircle

*MedCircle is not a referral service and does not recommend, endorse, discourage, screen, or approve any providers, medical procedures, products, or services; nor does MedCircle provide medical advice of any kind. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

[ArsenalsJack]

I feel like social anxiety is one of those things nobody cares you have. For the last few years I don’t tell anybody I have it anymore and it affects my day to day life more than anything. I don’t want to be extremely extroverted or the ‘life of the party’ I just want to be normal and do normal things without the intense irrational fear holding me back.

[lalakuma]

I'm definitely and introvert with anxiety, and I think some of that anxiety has a social aspect. But I feel like I don't fit into the classic description of social anxiety. I find social interactions draining, and I exhaust myself reading other people and making sure I behave appropriately. Knowing that this exhausts me makes me anxious and want to avoid interactions. I also find communication frustrating sometimes, because I want to jump into a conversation but I'm somewhat inhibited and take a while to form my ideas into words. I might still end up talking quite a lot, but I also get really tired after that and keep replaying how things went in my head.

[rrawrlolzzz]

i cried when she said people with social anxiety miss out on big events in life. that describes me so much

[wilclark]

I'm 54 and have had social anxiety and been an introvert since I was a kid..., it's terrible. When the pandemic began I had no problem staying home.

[Mackenzie]

Alcohol is confidence in a bottle. I rely on alcohol to be able to talk in groups of people. Years, I would binge drink on nights out. Otherwise I say nothing and stand at the back. I feel like I don't have the social skills to speak to people

[Kurious_Kiwi]

I'm an introvert and I also have anxiety, sometimes its hard to figure out which one I'm feeling on any given day

[causemyinsanity]

I have suffered with severe social anxiety since my memory started. Missing classes in the 2nd grade because I’m in the bathroom sick to my stomach from anxiety and never knowing why. I’m almost 30 now and STILL suffering and cannot leave my house alone or even sit on my balcony where people could see me. Time to find a therapist 😞

[samantharoop]

Socail anxiety makes me feel like something is wrong with me

[AsylumD]

I was diagnosed with social anxiety, severe depression and ptsd. For me being around pretty much anybody outside my very small group triggers "Fight or flight mode". What people don't understand is it is a circle. You WANT to be part of something bigger. You try, which causes anxiety, which makes you reserve, which gives you more anxiety, which triggers ptsd memories. After a few loops of that you just try to avoid people as a way of survival.

[MNP]

As an introvert, I value showing up for work, diving in and just doing my job. I have a really hard time with the extraneous small talk that interferes with my work. The HR types talk about the importance of getting to know your coworkers on a more intimate level. This apparently facilitates a more cohesive team. I hate it.

[bukkanukka]

I am diagnosed with severe soacial anxiety. But instead of alcohol, meth made me have all the confidence in the world. And when you finally find that confidence and ability to relax and socialize in a substance such as meth it leads you down a long hard battle with addiction. But as of the 7th this month, I have a year lol

[doot]

I grew up thinking I was introverted but realised as an adult that it was just a mask to hide my social anxiety. I pretty much had to rebuild my entire identity.

[Jelly._.cat._.]

The difference is : when you’re in your introvert world — you are at your happiest in life by yourself and you don’t give a flip about what others think of you. When you start caring what others think of you, that’s when the anxiety kicks in. Also, thank god I’m not like my one uncle (god bless him, RiP), who was an extrovert and a drunk to make people like him. He had no life until night time. Me, I’m at peace and enjoy my whole 16 hours in a day being healthy. People that I would like to be close to, don’t see it this way. You have to be the life of the party. And that’s why if you’re a true introvert — you got to just say “fu off, this is my life and I’m not here to please anyone”.

[RedRex]

I’m extremely introverted but can be social. I could never live with another person, but I like going out with friends and getting drinks and stuff. I just need a home base where I can recharge without noise or interruption.

[willow]

I've always been an introvert who is just happy being along with my thoughts. I'm always studying something. Glad to know I have other tribe members out there. Most people in my circle seem to want to "fix" me, and/or constantly seeking me out to fix their socially related issues. Irs beyond exhausting and frustrating.

[renata_]

Dr Ramani really has a gift when it comes to explaining these concepts and giving great examples. So easy to learn from her!!! Love love her. Her dynamic with Kyle is great too 💜

[rachelhanna]

I had to give a speech in my class and it was perfect because I had been rehearsing it for weeks beforehand. When it was my turn, I walked up to the front of the classroom and I instantly was hit with waves of anxiety and it felt like everyone was staring at me. I tried to ease my heart rate by taking a few breaths but I was struggling to breathe before I even started my speech. I stood there in the front of the room for a few moments wishing my heart rate would slow down and I could catch my breath but I just couldn’t. I finally started speaking and it was pure torture. I could barely get the words that I had been practicing for so long out of my mouth. I was not able to get air into my lungs when I was speaking and it felt like I was gasping for air and I had to take long pauses between my sentences. After it was done I tried to talk to my teacher because it feels like I have no one to talk about my struggles. I ended up having a 20 minute meltdown after class. This happened about a month ago and it keeps me up at night thinking about this.

[MJ-mysg]

I’ve had over the top criticism preferring little contact with others. 99% of family and neighbors constantly tell me it’s not healthy to always be alone. I finally got a backbone and tell them to back off, you worry about your life I’ll worry about mine! Sick of nosey intrusive people. Just stay in your own lane. I’m very happy spending time by myself. I’m an only child, spent 30 years alone in a marriage so this is normal to me.

[jijitters]

Oh, wow. I have (diagnosed) social anxiety disorder and I often say that I suddenly don't have it when I drink. Didn't realize that was so common.

[exandier]

I'm an extrovert with social anxiety lmao. Everyone always believed I was just an introvert, but nope... It's not a part of my personality. I'm suffering oof.