As an ISFP, you might feel overwhelmed and exhausted in social interactions. You may also dread going or feel nervous if you have to attend a social gathering. That feeling is familiar to many ISFPS, and they sometimes wonder why it happens and if it is associated with social anxiety in ISFPs.
ISFPs struggle with social anxiety because they are natural introverts. The extraverted sensing function makes them hyper-aware of their surroundings, creating overwhelm and sensitivity. They need time alone to process emotions, and being around others can cause them to feel nervous and exhausted.
Not all ISFPs have social anxiety, but many of them struggle with the disorder because they are introverts and require much alone time. They feel best when they are around people they feel comfortable with, and being in social situations can create tension within them. We will continue to discuss the details of social anxiety in ISFPs below.
Are ISFPs Shy And Quiet?
ISFPs are not necessarily shy but can be reserved and quiet because they are introverts. Contrary to popular belief, being shy and introverted are very different. ISFPs’ first, dominant, and core function is introversions.
Introverts are naturally more reserved than others. In this extraverted heaven of a world we live in, it can be terribly challenging for introverts to adapt because they are rarely accepted for being that way. People expect the quiet and reserved ones to get up and join the party, be sociable, and include themselves in every activity or conversation.
This expectation can prove to be delipidating for introverted personalities because they struggle to live up to those standards. ISFPs are highly in tune with others’ moods, emotions, and expectations. They never want to disappoint others and always want to do everything to make everyone feel happy and satisfied.
They often please others at the expense of their own needs and feelings and will try their best to live up to the social expectations others hold them to, even if they are uncomfortable. This can cause high levels of stress, fear, and resentment for an ISFP because they feel incredibly unsafe in most social situations – especially if there are people they don’t know or are not particularly close to.
Because ISFPs prefer being alone or “in the background,” you can often find them isolated even in social gatherings. They will look distracted by their phone or interact with one or a small group of people while avoiding the limelight or anything that will bring attention to them.
Social anxiety disorder is real, and many ISFPs face challenges with the condition because they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and don’t know how to handle social situations where they feel unsafe, uncomfortable, and uneasy.
Can ISFPs Be Awkward?
If you ever notice an ISFP being awkward, it’s because sometimes they do awkward things in social settings due to their struggles with anxiety disorder. ISFPs are adaptable, but even though they can fit into most situations, they still experience high levels of social struggles.
ISFPs’ behaviors majorly depend on whether they are comfortable with you. If they feel safe in your energy, they will be calm. If they think they can trust you and open up to you, they will literally be able to breathe and calm their nerves. If they are uncomfortable around you, they will not know how to act, what to say, or what to do.
We know that ISFPs are introverts, and to people who are not introverted, the introvert personality is automatically looked at as awkward or unsociable. This can be frustrating because even if the ISFP is themselves – meaning they are quiet, reserved, and distant to protect themselves, others will label them unfriendly, shy, or awkward.
ISFPs are also very private, so they keep their true feelings and thoughts to themselves. ISFPS won’t easily express emotion or jump into sharing their life story, even if you may be doing it or giving them the opportunity. In these situations, they can also seem pretty awkward because they seem unsure of themselves or have nothing to say, but they are just protecting themselves.
How Can ISFP Overcome Social Anxiety?
There are more ISFPS with a social anxiety disorder than you can imagine. Not many ISFPs will admit their struggles and end up suffering in silence. It affects the quality of their lives, relationships, and how they show up for themselves and others. Finding methods to work through those difficulties is vital to living a more fulfilling life. Here are some ways to do that:
Understanding yourself: Learning more about your personality, habits, and behaviors can provide you with understanding and clarity on why you have those struggles. It allows you to learn to embrace your struggles without feeling awkward.
Get professional help: Getting help from a professional therapist can help you understand if you have other connections to social anxiety, like childhood trauma or PTSD. Any medical support, like medication, can help manage your symptoms.
Do meditation: Meditating allows you to focus on breathing and learning how to calm down in stressful situations. It builds tolerance and resilience when you feel out of control in social situations.
Attempt Journaling: Writing down your feelings, fears, and concerns about social anxiety, especially before an interaction, can help navigate your emotions and help calm you down.
Take one step at a time: take each moment as it comes. Dip your toe in the water slowly as it feels comfortable. If you want to leave a social setting early or stand in a corner until someone approaches you, that is okay, don’t beat yourself up. It’s your journey, and you need to feel comfortable to give yourself and others the best version of you.
Be accepting and open: Accept yourself and be proud of your awareness. Be open to others about your struggles; you will discover how many more people are on the same journey. You might find your social tribe!
Conclusion
Not all ISFPs have social anxiety, but many do struggle with the disorder. ISFPS are introverts and sometimes feel overwhelmed in social situations, especially if they are not comfortable or know the people around them well enough.
