Social anxiety and introversion are distinct - while one is a mental health condition causing extreme fear in social settings, the other is simply a personality trait.
A staggering 15 million adults in the United States struggle with social anxiety disorder (SAD), according to the American Psychological Association.
Introverts with social anxiety often feel like they're under constant scrutiny, making even simple tasks like ordering at restaurants overwhelming.
The combination of introversion and social anxiety can lead to intense overthinking, where people replay conversations repeatedly in their minds.
Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing are common manifestations of social anxiety in social situations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps introverts identify and replace negative thought patterns with more realistic perspectives.
Starting with smaller gatherings and gradually building up to larger social events can help introverts manage their anxiety levels effectively.
Mindfulness practices and breathing exercises serve as powerful tools for introverts to control anxiety symptoms before and during social events.
Setting clear boundaries and scheduling downtime after social interactions helps introverts prevent anxiety-induced burnout.
Focusing on shared interests and participating in hobby-related meetups can make social interactions more comfortable for introverts with anxiety.