I’m socially drained!
From 2024 November to 2025 March, I’ve socialized so much that my body, mind & soul are now exhausted. While I appreciate all the good socializing has brought me, I’ve had to invest more energy as an introvert.
Navigating these environments takes more effort for me than for others.
I must clarify the definition of an introvert. People assume it means people who are shy/ unfriendly/ unsocial and/ or dislike social interactions. Not really! Introverts are just those whose life orientation is inwards.
Introverts are also those who aren’t driven to chase social rewards because our dopamine system isn’t turned up too high. Thus, over-stimulation is annoying & overwhelming for us.
On the contrary, social interactions fuel extroverts. Their more active dopamine system excites them by the possibilities of social rewards. Their life orientation, thus, stems from external objects.
(Read more about extroversion & introversion here.)
So, in the last five plus months, I’ve socialized to the point that I can’t do it anymore. I’ve not got enough alone time. My body & mind have responded with sheer tiredness.
I’ve been feeling like I’m hitting a wall. Forget about being in a room with people, I’ve been feeling I can’t even get out of bed. I’ve been feeling like I’m on the brink of a breakdown.
I’ve been feeling detached. I’ve been feeling fatigued. I’m an introvert and self-aware. I knew this ‘social draining’ would happen. It occurred even when I was actively socializing.
Knowing about my social exhaustion is making me deal with it in whatever way I can –
1. I’m avoiding triggers as much as I can. I’m staying at home mostly and avoiding contact with people to the extent I can.
2. I’m setting limits on the amount of time I spend at unavoidable social events.
3. I’m confiding in people close to me – people who respond to my situation positively.
4. I’m listening to relaxing music.
5. I’m decreasing the time I spend on my phone.
6. I’m writing out my emotions.
A few things I need to do more of to cope with my social tiredness –
1. I need to spend more time in nature.
2. I need to breathe deeply.
3. I need to do things I love – bake/ dance/ exercise.
My fellow introverts, what’s your approach towards ‘social draining’? Do any of the above steps help you? Tell me what do you do.
P.S. Please reach out to a mental health professional to discuss your social exhaustion. Do this if you feel you’re not capable of coping with it.
