Extrovert to Introvert?

[Anonymous]

I think I have worn out my personality. I used to be very social, had a big group of friends, loved going out, was outgoing and fun.

Now I am tired of people and perfectly content to never go out. I have kind of disconnected from friends and even family and become a loner of sorts. I have become pretty boring and quiet and am not really fun to be around. I kind of over time stopped doing hobbies and activities that used to get me out a lot.

I am in my 40s now. Not sure if this is normal with age or if I should try and get myself back out there.

I still work and can be social when I need to be professionally. I still keep in contact with people and occasionally get together socially so I am not completely cut off.

[Anonymous]

That sounds more like depression to me. Even if you're not sure that's it, it's worth getting screened for because if it is depression, none of it will change until you treat it.

[Anonymous]

I can relate to a degree. I definitely used to be more extroverted, but have become more introverted over time-starting in my 40’s. I love my alone time. However, I agree with PP. This sounds more like depression.

[Anonymous]

I’m 37 and heading towards that way. I’d rather do things with my immediate family.

For instance, we are staying home for Thanksgiving.

[Anonymous]

I never thought I was an introvert because I don’t have a shy-bone in my body. I am perfectly comfortable in a crowd and can and will talk to anyone. But I have found as I have gotten older that I crave more and more alone time. I am involved with people all week and seem to need total alone time all weekend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never thought I was an introvert because I don’t have a shy-bone in my body. I am perfectly comfortable in a crowd and can and will talk to anyone. But I have found as I have gotten older that I crave more and more alone time. I am involved with people all week and seem to need total alone time all weekend.

Introversion has nothing to do with being shy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That sounds more like depression to me. Even if you're not sure that's it, it's worth getting screened for because if it is depression, none of it will change until you treat it.

+1

[Anonymous]

I am also in my 40s and could have written this post. I am definitely thinking it's time i went and got checked for depression. OP, you are not alone. I also feel that our hormones are also to blame in some of this,

[Anonymous]

I am also in my 40s and could have written this post. I am definitely thinking it's time i went and got checked for depression. OP, you are not alone. I also feel that our hormones are also to blame in some of this,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never thought I was an introvert because I don’t have a shy-bone in my body. I am perfectly comfortable in a crowd and can and will talk to anyone. But I have found as I have gotten older that I crave more and more alone time. I am involved with people all week and seem to need total alone time all weekend.

This describes me. I’m perfectly fine with the changes. I’m older and enjoy being home more.

[Anonymous]

I am 45 and feel similar. I never thought of depression, I just think ive changed. I get worn out by large groups and lots of noise and really enjoy being by myself. I am happily married though and feel fine being with my kid, I just dont like being around others for long periods of time and need to go be by myself sometimes to reset.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks all. I will talk to my doc about depression. I don't really feel down or sad, just kind of tired of people and life.

I do have a thyroid problem and low vit D and low iron and haven't done bloodwork in ages so I will do that too as it could be I just need to get a bit healthier.

I think I need some changes in life too. I used to want to climb the career ladder...did that and now I just feel burnt out and I dream of being back down the ladder where life is easier. What gives me meaning and significance in life has changed but I am trapped on a hamster wheel of day to day grind.

I ended up listening to a play list of some pop rock songs from the 90s / 2000s earlier today and it took me back to that time in my life when life was fun and I had vitality. I am not sure now if this different life isn't good. in some ways I am pretty okay with it but I feel like I am still too young to be coasting to the end as the end could be 50 years away and I have a good 20 left in the work force.

[Anonymous]

I too could have written this post, 40. I prefer the more subdued version of myself..shrugs shoulders.

[Anonymous]

If it bothers you, get checked. However, the idea that introversion needs to fixed is disturbing. Our preferences change. You may have also been an introvert all along but labeled an extrovert. Plenty of introverts like being around people and being social, but need some alone time to recharge, tend to think before they speak.

[Anonymous]

Guys, please stop calling this introversion. It’s not. Introverts can be fun, lively, social, outgoing, friendly life-of-the-party people. It’s just that these social events are a drain on our energy, and we need to recover afterward.

OP, I agree that you might talk to someone about being depressed. All the best to you!