Anxiety is the number one reason why people hate socializing. It can create an unbearable experience. So the natural thing to do is to avoid situations that make us feel overwhelmed. *But, it's very normal to feel nervous in social situations.
Social anhedonia is present in an individual who shows disinterest in and has a relatively low drive for social interactions. People with social anhedonia prefer solitude. On the other hand, individuals suffering from social anxiety don't necessarily want to isolate themselves.
Social fatigue or social burnout happens when you've socialized to the point that you can't do it anymore. 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's okay to be less-social than other people
Others have a lower drive to socialize, which can show in a variety of ways: They like to spend a lot of time alone. They're solitary by choice, not because they want to be around people more often, but can't. They have solo hobbies they enjoy more than being with people.
Social anhedonia.
People who experience social anhedonia agree with statements such as, “Having close friends is not as important as many people say.”
Social fatigue leaves you feeling overstimulated, stressed, tired, anxious, and under pressure in social settings. You may be concerned about what to say, how to say it, and what others are thinking. Social fatigue can be compared with burnout, an aspect of which is increased emotional or mental exhaustion.
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often. It usually starts during childhood and, if left untreated, can persist into adulthood.
Recap. There are many reasons why you might feel like you don't need friends. Preferring solitude, being close to members of your family, and being busy with other things are just a few factors that may play a role. Fear of being disappointed or hurt by friends can also be a contributing factor.
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends. The good news is social anxiety disorder is treatable.
You have social anxiety
They may feel unsafe, threatened, or deeply insecure around other people. These feelings can be so overwhelming that just being in a social environment causes them great distress. Socially anxious individuals don't just dislike being people–they dread it.
Social anxiety disorder is the second most commonly diagnosed form of anxiety disorder. Sufferers experience overwhelming feelings of nervousness and fear of rejection during most social interactions, which leads them to avoid such situations if possible.
Introvert burnout, in this context, is a state of all-consuming exhaustion in most that can arises from experiencing social situations without enough time alone to recharge and recuperate.
Not wanting to be around others can be connected to:
intimacy issues (I don't want anyone to see the real me) low self-esteem (nobody really likes me anyway) counter-dependency (I don't need anyone I want them to stay away) social anxiety (it feels dangerous to be around others).
You prefer peace and quiet.
You may be overwhelmed or overstimulated by the company of others. Being alone with your own thoughts, or doing activities that bring you a sense of physical or mental calmness, is how you refuel and feel like your best self.
Jessica Harrison, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Courageous Counseling and Consulting, says a lack of long-term friendships is a major red flag. "It shows that they have not been committed to growing in relationships, which takes time and effort on both friends' part," says Harrison.
"Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits," Valtorta says. "In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety."
It's not uncommon to feel like you have no one to talk to. In fact, everyone feels that way at least once in their life. You don't have to be alone to feel that way either. You could feel alone and isolated at a party, at work, in your home, or even while spending time with friends.
Social anxiety itself often causes a fear of talking. Anxiety may also distract the mind, making it harder to put words together. Tangentially related anxiety fears, such as fear of being judged, often cause fear of talking.
An introvert hangover includes social fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, and burnout felt by introverts after they have spent too much time socializing with others. This feeling occurs because introverts are drained by interactions with others and need time alone to recharge.
Burnout involves three distinct symptoms: energy depletion and exhaustion, depersonalization and cynicism, and reduced efficacy.