Is social anxiety the same as introversion?

Question

Is it possible that I've been an extrovert my whole life and not realized it because it has been buried under heaps of social anxiety? When I get drunk I am real talkative, I love big parties, and the one time in my life that I was recieving treatment for my anxiety (lexapro), I joined theater class and tried out for a play. Is it possible that I am actually an extrovert incapable of expressing my true self because I am frozen by fear?

Answer 1

I don't think they are the same. I am a bit introverted but I don't think I ever have problems with social anxiety. People can like to keep to themselves and have a close knit group of friends but still be comfortable in social settings.

Answer 2

If the lexapro helped you, why did you stop taking it? Sounds like you were getting better. And I do think that you are an extrovert who is just overwhelmed by fear. There are people who are telling you that medication is not the answer, but if you take it under the supervision of a physician, there is nothing wrong with it. It's a whole lot better than letting alcohol do the talking for you. I would advise you not to do the lexapro and alcohol together, however. Bad combination there. Good luck.

Answer 3

No anxiety has nothing to do with introversion ,the psychology may be connected in some way, but over many .many bridges....Social anxiety often has no rational cause ,but is
a feeling of butterflies and jitters when you are trying to
engage in a social situation which can be as simple as walking down a street. It's often a feeling ,introversion is not a lack of feeling or feelings do not lead or have nothing to do
with those considered introverted , The most severest type of introverts may be considered autistic actually ,being an introvert has nothing to do with anxiety,unless you are psychiologically made introverted in some way .Introversion is not a psychiological disorder brought on by social or environment .Either you lean on as being an extrovert naturally or introvert or not....I ought to know ...and I do

Answer 4

Introversion is a trait. Excessive anxiety is a disorder. Lexapro and alcohol make you do things you wouldn't normally do. The key to overcoming anxiety is to get help. I have fought it for more than a decade. I've seen about twenty different doctors and psychs for it. The best thing that ever happened to me was finding a program from the midwest institute called attacking anxiety and depression. I am not kidding. It really, honestly works. Never drink to get over anxiety. Trust me.

Answer 5

Is social anxiety the same as introversion?
social anxiety is the fear of being around others, large crowds, some people feel like the room is closing in on them, this is usually a anxiety attack, and YES social anxiety can make you tend to me more of an introvert, however if the medicine helps you and gives you the feeling of being around others and more outgoing, i think perhaps you had the answer in you all along, sometimes it just takes another person to bring it to the surface for you, alcohol is only a temp fix!, while the medicine will be more effective for you in the long run, if the meds work for you, work on being more outgoing, and even though im a perfect stranger i can totally relate with you in this topic, and i wish you alot of sincere luck,

Answer 6

Nope, not the same. An introvert can be comfortable in a crowd but usually they prefer the company of themselves.
Introvert and extrovert are the two ends of the social interaction spectrum. That said, I think you are pretty much like the rest of us in the middle with periodic anxiety. Age and experience make it easier.

Answer 7

introversion and extroversion are simply how you process your thoughts - do you internalize or do you need to "bounce things off of people"

extroverts are generally perceived to be more social, but introverts are just as able to socialize. social anxiety can apply to either. the lexapro is used to treat both anxiety and depression, both of which are likely to increase social anxiety, and if you reacted well to it in the past you should consider starting it again (under the supervision of a prescribing doctor).

you seem very aware of your feelings, that is a great first step to self improvement. good luck!

Answer 8

Well, as I don't know your whole situation it's hard to tell. Acting is a facade it gives you another outlet to express hidden emotions/feelings. Alcohol is a depressant which explains why some people who are already sad get even worse when they are drunk. It also is a stimulant that can bring you 'out of your shell' so to speak. The medication must have helped to control the symptoms of anxiety (don't ask me how that works...), which explains your joining of theatre class etc.

Answer 9

Noooooooo social anxiety is an actually anxiety disorder related to going out in public, introversion is the simple preferance to be alone, not a fear of being with others.

Answer 10

Overcome Social Anxiety And Shyness - http://tinyurl.com/rMfedHFye2