Did you know that people who have an introverted personality are more prone to have a mental illness? What does introvert mean? It means reserved or turned inward. Someone who focuses on their own thoughts and ideas rather than what is going on outside. We also prefer to be left alone or in an environment that’s quiet and calm. An introvert such as myself enjoys being alone and prefers to listen to people in conversation rather than join in the conversation. We are very sensitive, sincere, and sometimes over compassionate. Introverts are different from people who are shy though. People who are shy are usually afraid to talk or join social situations where as introverts aren’t usually afraid, we just choose not to talk or join until we are ready too.
So why do introverts have a higher risk at mental illness than people who aren’t introverted? Well, it’s because we tend to be highly sensitive and overthink things. We are very critical of ourselves and like to be perfectionists. And as a human being, we are not perfect by any means which then creates tension in our thinking. Anxiety runs higher because we struggle to reach that perfectionism and can’t always. And because the struggle is harder we create a vicious cycle of trying to achieve it that can later take a toll on our mental health.
Introverts can also become depressed because we don’t spend much time among other people. We listen to our own thoughts more which can sometimes lead us in a direction that can be lacking positive influence. Our thoughts about ourselves can be degrading and hurtful at times which can make us depressed. Now, I’m not saying that introverts are the only personality that can struggle with their mental health. All personalities can be affected. All personalities can struggle. I’m just pointing out that because us introverted personalities seem to be harder on ourselves that we can create a world in our minds that is harder than it really is.
Did you also know that many writer’s are introverts? Take Stephen King for one. He prides himself on his personality too because, who he is has made him a very successful horror writer. As an introvert, we are able to create a fictional world in our mind easier in my opinion. We don’t always base our stories on facts but our imagination. J.K. Rowling is also a self proclaimed introvert and I’m sure that you are familiar with some of her writing’s. Maybe someday I will be as famous as them.
In Conclusion
I’ll get back on track here. Being an introvert can be a struggle at times since mental illness seems to be connected with it, but it can also be rewarding. With an introverted personality, the way we see the world sometimes can be very entertaining. The way we see it and have the ability to write about it can also help people with other personalities understand in a whole new way. I’m not saying that we are special in any way but our thinking can be unique in a creative way. So if you are an introvert, don’t be afraid to let people know. There is nothing wrong with you. You are just as good as everyone else and maybe even more creative.
Until next time, be who you are and learn from it. And happy mental health awareness month.