What Causes Social Withdrawal?

Social withdrawal is the avoidance of people and activities that one previously enjoyed. It can range from limited social engagement to complete isolation.

Social connection and interpersonal relationships are essential for human health and well-being. Poor social support is linked to depression, loneliness, heart disease, substance use, and suicide.

Despite this, there are times when people pull away from friends, family, and other social connections. When people remove themselves from opportunities to socialize with others, they may be experiencing what is referred to as social withdrawal.

Signs of Social Withdrawal

Social withdrawal can manifest in various ways. In some cases, it may involve being more reserved in social situations. It can also involve complete avoidance of most social interactions.

Some examples of social withdrawal include:

• Avoiding social activities that were previously enjoyed
• Consistently turning down invitations to spend time with others
• Making excuses to be alone
• Becoming less talkative in group settings
• Avoiding situations requiring them to meet new people
• Avoiding open-ended questions and not initiating conversations when talking to others
• Being hesitant to try new things
• Avoiding unfamiliar settings or situations
• Seeking jobs or tasks that require solitary work
• Preferring to stay home and engage in solitary activities

Causes of Social Withdrawal

Research has suggested three main subtypes of social withdrawal: shyness, avoidance, and unsociability. While social withdrawal due to shyness and avoidance has been associated with considerable risks, less is known about the impact of unsociability.

Some risk factors that can contribute to social withdrawal include:

Mental Health Conditions

Social withdrawal can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Social phobia

It is crucial for individuals experiencing social withdrawal along with other distressing or daily-life-interfering symptoms to consult a doctor or mental health professional. The specific help and treatment required depend on the nature and severity of their condition.

Shyness

Studies have found that people who are shy tend to be more socially withdrawn. This is because they often avoid social situations due to anxiety or discomfort.

The perception of shy and withdrawn behavior as social deficits by others can lead to further rejection and exclusion. This, in turn, reinforces the underlying shy and withdrawn traits in a person, resulting in increased shyness and social isolation over time.

Trauma

Trauma can induce social withdrawal as a response to the experienced distress. Survivors of trauma may feel anxious, fearful, combative, or shut-down in social situations. Avoiding these uncomfortable emotions in social settings as a protective and preventative coping mechanism can lead to social withdrawal.

Poor Self-Esteem

In some cases, individuals may withdraw from others due to low self-esteem. Their poor regard for themselves may lead to fears of vulnerability around others or the belief that they will be rejected.

Moreover, low self-esteem can contribute to symptoms of other mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, which can further exacerbate social withdrawal.

Family Dynamics

Environmental and personality factors can also play a role in social withdrawal. For example, difficult or abusive family dynamics may cause individuals to withdraw from family or loved ones.

A study conducted in 2020 found that individuals experiencing social withdrawal had higher rates of:

• Dysfunctional family dynamics
• Family history of psychiatric illness
• Anxiety disorders
• Traumatic childhood experiences, including family maltreatment

Personality

Sometimes, individuals may withdraw because they prefer spending time alone. Introverts, for instance, typically have a greater need for solitude compared to extroverts.

Continuously declining social invitations, however, may be interpreted as rejection, leading others to eventually stop reaching out, potentially resulting in isolation.

While unsociable people may prefer being alone, research has shown that excessive solitude has severe mental and physical health costs, referred to as the paradox of solitude. While spending time alone can enhance certain aspects of the self and lead to increased creativity, it can also take a toll on an individual's overall well-being.

Social Rejection

Social rejection can also play a role in withdrawal. In such cases, individuals may not necessarily want to be alone but may be rejected by their peers for various reasons.

Specific causes of social rejection can vary depending on the situation. Some examples include:

• Negative interpersonal interactions: Individuals may be rejected due to negative interactions with others. This can be caused by misunderstandings or poor social/communication skills.
• Outgroup exclusion: Individuals may be excluded because they are not part of the dominant social group.
• Racism and discrimination: Prejudice against individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, language, or religious affiliation can contribute to social rejection
• Shyness: Those who are naturally shy, withdrawn, or anxious are more prone to exclusion.
• Externalizing behavior: Individuals exhibiting aggressive, disruptive, or hyperactive behaviors are more likely to experience social rejection. Children with ADHD, for example, may face higher rates of rejection from their peers.

Developmental Issues

Social experiences are crucial for child development, but children may go through periods of varying sociability. However, social withdrawal can be a sign of problems, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as low mood and behavioral changes.

Withdrawal from others can indicate depression and anxiety but may also signal problems at school, bullying, and peer pressure. Due to the vital role social support and connection play in child development, recognizing these signs early and providing struggling children with the necessary assistance is essential.

In older adults, social withdrawal is also a concern. As people age, they are more likely to experience isolation, particularly as they leave the workforce, lose loved ones, live alone, and cope with chronic illness.

Effects of Social Withdrawal

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social withdrawal and isolation can elevate the risk of:

• Premature death
• Dementia
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Depression, anxiety, and suicide

Coping With Social Withdrawal

If you or someone you care about is experiencing social withdrawal, here are some strategies that might help:

• Practice relaxation techniques and coping skills to manage fear and anxiety: Methods such as deep breathing, yoga, and mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety and discourage reliance on avoidance coping.
• Take gradual steps to spend time with trusted loved ones: Reach out to individuals you trust and ask them to support you as you re-engage with the world.
• Consider seeking out and joining a peer support group focused on a topic that may be supportive for you.
• Embrace the practice of anchoring yourself: When anxious thoughts spiral into panic, anchoring yourself by noticing physical objects around you, feeling the temperatures and textures of objects you can touch, and paying attention to sounds can help bring you back to the present moment and allow you to consciously choose a different response or reaction. This may also help soothe anxiety and create greater calm in social settings.
• Treat yourself with care and compassion: Self-compassion enables you to recognize and alleviate your own distress and suffering without attempting to ignore it.

It is also essential to consult a mental health professional, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, loss of interest, fatigue, low mood, substance use, or thoughts of suicide. A therapist can evaluate your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and recommend treatments to address withdrawal behaviors.

If you or a loved one is struggling with social withdrawal, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

A Word From Verywell

The causes of social withdrawal can vary. Sometimes people withdraw from social situations because they prefer spending time alone. In many cases, withdrawal is linked to fear, anxiety, depression, rejection, poor self-esteem, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

Regardless of the cause, social withdrawal can lead to loneliness and isolation. It is essential to seek assistance, find ways to increase social connectivity, and explore opportunities to engage with others.