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Social withdrawal involves avoiding people and activities that you previously enjoyed.
It can range in severity from limited social engagement to complete isolation.
Social connection andinterpersonal relationshipsare crucial for human health and well-being.
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If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Despite this, there are times when people pull away from friends, family, and other social connections.
Signs of Social Withdrawal
Social withdrawal can happen in a variety of ways.
In some cases, it might involve being more reserved in social situations.
It can also involve complete avoidance of almost any pop in of social interaction.
In that case, it is essential to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
The specific help and treatment they need depend on the nature and severity of their condition.
Others also perceive shy and withdrawn behavior as social deficits, which can then lead to furtherrejectionand exclusion.
The result is that shy people become shyer and more socially isolated as time goes on.
Trauma
Social withdrawal can be a symptom of and response to trauma.
Trauma survivors may find themselves anxious, scared, combative, or shut-down in social situations.
Avoiding these uncomfortable emotions in social options as a protective and preventative coping mechanism can lead to social withdrawal.
Poor Self-Esteem
In some cases, people pull away from others due topoor self-esteem.
Family Dynamics
Environmental and personality factors can also play a role in social withdrawal.
For example, people may withdraw from family or loved ones due to difficult or abusive family dynamics.
Regularly turning down social invites, however, is sometimes interpreted as rejection.
People may eventually stop reaching out, which can lead to isolation.
Researchers refer to this as the paradox of solitude.
Social Rejection
Social rejection can also play a role in withdrawal.
The specific causes of social rejection can vary from one situation to the next.
Social withdrawal is also a concern among older adults.
Stress
Researchers also suggest thatstresscan play a part in the onset of social withdrawal.
When faced with psychological stress, social withdrawal may serve as a way to cope.
People who are prone to social withdrawal tend to have less psychological flexibility.
This means they are less able to adapt to current changes to achieve long-term goals.
When faced with challenges, they are more likely to withdraw rather than adjust.
Unfortunately, social withdrawal often worsens stress and reduces people’s ability to cope effectively with stress.
Decreased social contact means people have less emotional and instrumental support to deal with stressful situations.
The phenomenon has since been observed in other countries and cultures as well.
Such findings may aid in better identification and treatment.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
A Word From Verywell
The causes of social withdrawal can vary.
Sometimes people withdraw from social situations because they prefer spending time alone.
Whatever the cause, social withdrawal has the potential to lead to loneliness and isolation.
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