- [Narrator] Did you know that up to 40%
of the population is introverted?
According to a study by a professor at McGill University,
introversion has many features that are seen in depression,
like a limited need for socialization,
tendency to be alone, and an aversion to events.
However, depression and introversion
are two very different concepts
that are often mixed together.
People who are introverted
may mistakenly be labeled as depressed,
while someone who is depressed
may be labeled as introverted.
While it's true that many people are both,
in this video will be looking
at how you can tell the difference between the two.
Definitions.
Introversion is a trait involving your preferences
with other people.
As an introvert, you may find that you enjoy being
by yourself more than being with other people.
You may find that social situations,
while at times fun, drain you,
and that you need time alone to recharge.
Depression is the type of disorder
that affects your mood and ability to function.
Depression is most commonly diagnosed
as major depressive disorder,
which this video will focus on,
but can show itself in other conditions
like persistent depressive disorder,
seasonal effective disorder,
and bipolar disorder, among others.
When dealing with depression,
you may notice a lasting sad feeling,
feelings of numbness,
a lack of interest in doing things you used to enjoy,
feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness,
and difficulties carrying out tasks.
With that, here are some signs that you're depressed
and not an introvert.
You lack energy and motivation.
One of the most common hallmarks of depression,
according to the American Psychiatric Association,
is a lack of energy and motivation.
Having depression can make even small tasks feel impossible
and taking a nap feel much more desirable.
Things that you normally would enjoy doing
are just too hard,
so you may find yourself sitting out
of activities much of the time.
This is not usually the case for introverts.
Introverts may find social activities draining
and need recharge time later,
however, they will likely have the energy
to go out beforehand.
A person who is introverted and not depressed
will likely not struggle with feeling overly exhausted
and unmotivated all the time.
You used to enjoy going out.
Another big sign of depression is losing interest
in activities that were previously enjoyed.
According to Crystal Raypole,
a psychology writer from "Healthline,"
people with depression may find
that going out with friends is not as fun as it used to be.
This is different from introversion
as introverts generally do not undergo
a sudden shift in their preference.
If you are an introvert,
you likely never really enjoy going out,
no matter your mood.
Of course, it is natural to change preferences over time,
and things that were interesting at one time
may not be later.
This becomes problematic, however,
when you find that nothing gives you any enjoyment anymore.
You have problems eating, sleeping, or working.
Depression comes with a lot more than a low mood.
You may find that with it other areas of your life change.
You may find yourself overeating or undereating,
that you sleep too much or too little,
and that work is impossible.
As an introvert, you may find that this is not the case.
Psychology writer Jenn Granneman
from "Psychology Today" in 2017 states
that introversion is related to your personality,
and you likely wouldn't experience
a sudden shift in any of these areas because of it.
You feel worthless.
Depression comes with a lot
of feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
That it is not necessarily the case with introversion.
As an introvert, you may find that you're optimistic
and have a strong sense of self and hope for the future.
Again, as introversion is your personality,
it'll not have such a drastic effect on your emotions.
According to the American Psychiatric Association,
feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
are telltale signs of depression
and should not be taken lightly.
While introverts may present as quiet, reserved, or humble,
they do not have a bleak outlook on life
that is seen with depression.
On the contrary, someone who is depressed
can outwardly show extroversion and confidence,
but deep down feel gloomy.
And finally, you isolate, but not to recharge.
It's common with depression
to self isolate from the outside world.
It's also common to do this as an introvert.
While this is the same activity,
they're done for different reasons.
Psychology writer Jenn Granneman explains
that with depression, you may isolate yourself
because of feelings of unworthiness, hopelessness,
or lack of energy and motivation.
With introversion,
you may keep to yourself just out of personal preference
and not because of emotional distress.
So while introversion and depression
are often lumped together,
they're two very different things.
Some people simply enjoy their own company,
and there's nothing wrong with that.
If you feel however that you're struggling with depression,
please know that there are resources
and there's help out there.
Getting in touch with the right professional
can be a great first step
to getting your life back on track.
Thank you for watching this video.
If you enjoyed it, please give it a like
and share with someone who you think will benefit from it.
Let us know your thoughts on it in the comment section.
Remember to subscribe to Psych2Go
to keep up with our uploads, and take care.