Are introverts more likely to suffer from mental illness due to their inward nature?

Mental illness definitely does not discriminate. Both introverts and extroverts can suffer from mental illness but studies from the 1980s onwards show there is definitely a higher incidence of mental illness, suicidal ideation and depression among introverts over extroverts.

As an introvert who has experienced mental illness, shame as well as a lack of education were two major factors in myself not seeking professional help. I was in my early teens at the time I first noticed something was not right, I used to come home from school most days in tears despite near perfect grades and a lovely group of friends. Looking back it was more than likely due to a combination of adolescent hormones, adjusting to the intensified high school routine and suffering from depression. While my depression subsided over the next two years having ‘settled in’ to my new environment and established a more concrete sense of self, it took me until the age of 21 to seek professional help for something that affected me so deeply.

A 2012 study of the Myer Briggs type personality indicator showed that the preferred isolation of many introverts lead to a greater risk of suicide. This is due to a combination of factors including a lower tendency to ask for help or reach out in times of need or stress. I myself have experienced low moods and wanted to call my best friend late at night but have been mindful of her 8am work start or impending thesis due date and have thus resisted. An introverts tendency to overthink situations can further lead to isolation, creating a cycle that can heighten their mental illness.

Highlighting and seeking help for your own mental ailment can be difficult in society due to the negative stigma surrounding it, much like admitting to being an introvert in a culture that values extroversion. Shame is something that introverts and people suffering from mental illness often feel and a feeling that we as a society should seek to reduce.

Read more posts below to learn more about introversion and click the link in the about page to find out whether you’re an introvert, extrovert and ambivert.

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