Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by feeling extremely anxious in social situations. Anyone, be it an extrovert, introvert, or an ambient can develop a social anxiety disorder.
So to answer the question, “Can Extroverts have social anxiety?” technically I’ll say it’s a yes but is it practically possible? You’ll have to read till the end to find out.
Who is an extrovert?
An extrovert is someone who enjoys being around people. They have very outgoing personalities and do not shy away from putting their point across. An extrovert is always ready to meet new people, make new connections, doesn’t fear being in the limelight, definitely is the life of a party, and is a people person.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition in which people experience intense stress and anxiety when they are in a social setting. They fear social interactions, social gatherings, and anything that involves a group of people.
People who suffer from social anxiety generally have the following symptoms;
They fear that they’ll be judged by other people
They are very self-conscious about everything you do
Avoid meeting new people
Experience stress and anxiety in social situations
Can You Be Extroverted And Have Social Anxiety?
Now, it sounds unbelievable for an extrovert to have social anxiety. Extroverts are people who get a ‘high’ being around people. They enjoy being in social gatherings and meeting new people. Having social anxiety along with traits of an extrovert just doesn’t fit in, right?
But believe me or not you can be an extrovert and have social anxiety. What happens when an extrovert has social anxiety is that they get really excited in social settings but that same excitement gives that anxiety.
So basically, their confidence, which is very high before walking into a room full of people, takes a dip when they actually enter the room. Although they enjoy being around people, they also fear being judged by the same people or what others think of them.
What Is An Extrovert With Social Anxiety Look Like?
An extrovert can experience social anxiety and the symptoms are not any different. Extroverts experience everything any other person with social anxiety would. Let’s look at how an extrovert experiences social anxiety;
1. They feel judged: even if you are an extrovert you can fear being judged by other people. When an extrovert has social anxiety, this fear of being judged is heightened.
2. They feel insecure: be it any personality type, insecurity is felt by all. When extroverts have social anxiety they tend to feel more shy and insecure about themselves.
3. They feel extreme pressure: extroverts with social anxiety often feel a lot of pressure to make everyone around them happy. Even when they host a social gathering, they take a lot on them to make sure that everyone is entertained and is enjoying themselves
4. They overthink everything: extroverted people are always carefree, just having fun but it’s not the same when an extrovert develops social anxiety. They overthink everything they can.
5. They cancel plans last minute: this is something that doesn’t really align with the traits of an extrovert. When an extrovert is dealing with social anxiety disorder, they might cancel plans last minute because they are anxious about going.
6. They have fear of missing out: usually extroverts are present at every event but when extroverts have social anxiety they also cancel plans at the last minute because of anxiety which results in FOMO.
How to Deal with Social Anxiety As an Extrovert?
Well, it is possible for an extrovert to have social anxiety. Extroverts are comfortable socially, we all know that, but it’s also possible for them to be uncomfortable in a social setting. Extroverts experience an urge to be around people along with that they can have social anxiety as well.
Here’s how an extrovert can deal with social anxiety;
1. Educate yourself: read about social anxiety, what are the symptoms? What coping techniques can you use? What kind of therapy will help you with it? Etc.
2. Keep a check on yourself: for an extrovert to have social anxiety can be exhausting, leading to the worsening of the symptoms. So keep a check on yourself, engage in self-care, and take enough breaks.
3. Engage in safe socialization: it will be best for you to be with people you trust and love. They will never judge you or ridicule you and you can safely socialize with them.
4. Seek professional help: it’s always best to get professional help when you find yourself struggling with social anxiety. Talk to a mental health professional and get the help you need.
That’s All Folks!
I hope you found this blog about extroverts having social anxiety interesting and informative. Do let me know what you think, can an extrovert have social anxiety? Do share this blog with your extroverted friends and family, you never know who is struggling with social anxiety.
Thanks for reading.
Take care and stay safe.
The post Can You Have Social Anxiety And Be An Extrovert? appeared first on Calm Sage – Your Guide to Mental and Emotional Well-being.