Social exhaustion can also be called introvert burnout or introvert hangover. Although it's not a medical diagnosis, it is a valid experience that introverts and extroverts can face. It can be an emotional and physical response to social overstimulation that leaves you feeling drained and exhausted.
But simply put, introverts just aren't as interested in pursuing the things that extroverts chase. Having a less active dopamine reward system also means that introverts may find certain levels of stimulation — like noise and activity — to be punishing and tiring.
A burned-out introvert can feel like they've been hit by a truck! They may feel exhausted, emotionally and mentally drained, or even physically unwell. Introverts describe feeling like they are mentally foggy, unable to focus and desperately craving time alone.
Introverts (or those of us with introverted tendencies) tend to recharge by spending time alone. They lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds.
Introverts in distress won't always choose solitude, but if their emotional discomfort is caused by anger, they may seek to isolate themselves from everyone else in the house or building. Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact.
Introverts get annoyed by small talk. Since conversations require energy, they often prefer conversations that allow them to go deeper in their relationships with other people. Small talk and vapid conversations about the weather and current events can seem tedious, draining, and even annoying.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion.
Signs that you may be experiencing introvert burnout include physical exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and loss of expressiveness; however, you could experience a range of other symptoms to varying degrees.
Introverts do appreciate being around people with whom they are close. They find engaging in "small talk" tedious, but do enjoy having deep, meaningful conversations. Introverts also tend to think before speaking.
Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
Socialising can become draining
An introvert will reach their limits before an extrovert. "Overdoing it" socially can cause emotional fatigue, which makes it hard to hold a conversation for too long and can potentially lead to irritability. "They might look less tolerant and responsive.
While it's true that both types of personality can experience problems with their mental health, it's widely accepted and proven that introverts are more susceptible to depression than many other personality types.
Being alone gives us time to think and do tasks without needing to worry about others' needs. Introverts love to spend time alone to recharge and think. They are authentic and know what they want most of the time. They are not without friends; they just like to have more time alone than other people do.
According to research, introverts also have more brain activity than most individuals because of their inward personalities. Their quietness helps them balance out the level of stimulation their brains experience, and is the reason why most introvert traits like keen observation needs silence to function.
People who are natural introverts often feel pressure to change. They worry that they are not outgoing enough, and so sometimes they push themselves to socialize in ways that cause them more stress than enjoyment.
Extreme introverts are far quieter than typical introverts. People often mistake the trait for shyness. Their quiet demeanor is usually motivated by the need to carefully take in and process what others are saying and doing around them.
When introverts get pissed off, they tend to “shut down.” This means that they will say as little as possible, usually in one word sentences. For example, “Yes,” “No,” “Fine,” and so on. This is because they're doing the least amount of social exertion possible in order to end the conversation as quickly as possible.
Time alone, time to prepare for social situations, and following a plan are all ways an introvert deals with stress. In contrast, extroverts may find too much alone time stressful because they can't talk through their thoughts and feelings, which is how they process and manage stress.
“Introverts and extroverts are attracted to each other because of the differences,” says Ross. And, in some ways, this can work really well, like when the more introverted person feels like they need more social appointments on their calendar, or when the extroverted person is feeling overwhelmed by their commitments.
Introverts draw their energy from their internal world of thoughts and emotions. This is why, unlike extroverts, introverts can be easily overstimulated by the external world. Social experiences can leave them feeling drained. A less stimulating environment, such as home, help introverts restore their energy.
“Introverts gain energy from being alone, and lose energy in stimulating environments such as crowds and social settings. Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from being out and about and socializing.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
ISFJ. ISFJ's are quiet, conscientious, and kind. They are responsible in nature and are committed to meeting their obligations. They have a tendency to put the needs of others above their own.