Even outgoing people struggle with mental health: here’s why

Amid the global pandemic, mental health is now a more obvious concern than ever before. People of all ages, from all backgrounds, sometimes struggle to cope with everyday stresses and strains. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these problems for many people. However, it is important to remember that mental health struggles may continue for many individuals beyond the pandemic, just as they did beforehand.

It’s also crucial we understand that just because people are outgoing and extroverted, that doesn’t mean they have ‘perfect’ mental health. We never truly know what people are going through inside, and some may choose to mask their feelings with extroverted behavior. That is why it is so important to have open conversations about mental health across the board. Not only that, but we need to recognize, as people, that mental health struggles can affect anyone at any time.

Common problems extroverted people face

People who appear happy and outgoing do not necessarily feel the same way inside. That, of course, doesn’t mean that everyone who is the ‘life of the party’ is likely to be hiding internal trauma. What it does mean, however, is that we need to make fewer assumptions about outward behavior.

Extroverted people may suffer with body image problems, childhood trauma , or even anxiety. Just because someone appears sociable and friendly does not mean they cannot feel anxious. Anxiety has many shapes and forms, and can often arise from depression, or vice versa.

At the same time, there are no strict problems that particularly impact outgoing or introverted people. It is true that some people may mask their feelings by ‘acting out,’ choosing to ignore their feelings and traumas. While some feel this may be a coping mechanism, some experts believe this is an unhealthy form of denial and repression.

What causes mental health problems in outgoing people?

Again, there are no guaranteed answers to this question. Many different factors throughout our livescan trigger painful mental health struggles. Some may struggle with trauma from childhood, while others may find money and relationship management extremely stressful. Some may choose to over-compensate from handling these feelings and issues explicitly by engaging in harmful behavior.

However, one key issue that may continue to impact outgoing people is the COVID-19 pandemic . Lockdowns and social distancing measures may restrict people who previously had healthy social lives. Extroverts may have reacted to being locked down in many different ways. Some may be angry at the measures and may even deny the worth of COVID precautions. Others may become withdrawn and scared, fearful of the virus’ effects. Without open discussions or therapy regarding these feelings and burdens, such problems may become long-term traumas for various people.

However, this is purely one example, but a monumental one, given the global impact. We need to recognize that all our lives are different, and we have varying pressures and responsibilities. This is why it is so important to be open in discussing mental health with our peers.

What can help ease such mental health struggles?

Different people have varying needs, traumas and demands. Many may choose to reach out, for example, to a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner . Wilkes Universityoffers a highly useful guide to the essential work that these professionals undertake as well as a range of online courses if you’re passionate about helping others and want to pursue mental health nursing as a possible career.

Of course, lifestyle and behavioral changes will also help to relieve and release pressure from day to day. Many outgoing people, for example, find they are under immense pressure to ‘perform’ in line with peers on social media. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can breed feelings of depression, anxiety, jealousy, loneliness and anger. Various studies suggest that prolonged use, particularly among younger people, can be hugely detrimental.

One of the first steps many people may wish to take in the fight against mental health concerns is to talk about their issues. This can be difficult for anyone, not purely extroverted people. If causes of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and/or self-harm have roots in childhood, or traumatic experiences, it can be immensely difficult for even the friendliest of people to speak openly.

That is why support networks, online and offline, provide crucial assistance to so many people. Those people willing to acknowledge their concerns and struggles may take a first big step in approaching local mentors, therapists, or simply talking to close friends and family members.

No one goes through this alone

Ultimately, we must all remember that mental health problems can affect anyone. While it may not be obvious on the surface, we never truly know the issues people face from day to day. That is why it is important to be kind, to be patient, and to avoid making widespread assumptions.

Even if you are lively and outgoing, or quieter and more relaxed, mental health affects each and every one of us. You should never feel guilty or scared to reach out for help.