Mobile, AL, May 30,2025 - During Mental Health Awareness Month, talking about introversion is crucial because it highlights the diverse ways individuals experience and process the world around them. For introverts, being quiet or enjoying alone time is a big part of how we take care of ourselves from inside out. Recognizing and understanding introversion helps destigmatize the misconceptions and opens up a conversation about the need for environments that respect and nurture different energy levels and social preferences.
Understanding Introversion and Mental Health
Mental health doesn't look the same for everyone. What cheers up one person might exhaust someone else, especially if they're introverted. Introverts feel recharged when they spend time alone or with a few close friends, not at large social gatherings . In a world that often cheers for people who are outgoing, the quiet can feel pushed to be loud. This leads to stress, worry, feelings of inadequancy, and depression.
I remember my outgoing sales mentor training me 20 years ago. I felt like I had to do what she shared because she had the success I wanted. But her methods didn't resonate with me because I’m introverted. So, I tried different things and discovered the power of using surveys. With surveys, I was able to filter who was interested in my products and services versus convincing my prospects I had what they wanted. I was dazed, glazed, and amazed how this worked and made me feel during the sales process. No more icky feelings about being pushy and salesy and this technique felt right. I didn't have to push sales on anyone. I asked questions, listened, created solutions, and connected with people. I built genuine relationships and created my own sales system. I realized I can dominate sales with a proven method that catered to my introverted gifts.
Understanding introversion and mental health accommodates the wide spectrum of human experiences. This awareness can lead to better support systems in our life and business. This allows introverts to thrive without feeling the pressure to conform to extroverted norms which contribute to our overall mental well-being.
The Challenges of Stigma
Introverts often face two big challenges with mental health: dealing with how people think about mental health problems and correcting myths about being introverted. This can make it harder to talk about our feelings or ask for help. So, I created a local event for my fellow introverted business owners, called Network Like An Introvert. I told my friend about it, and she helped me get on WALA-TV (Fox 10) Studio 10, a local show in Mobile, AL.
I was super excited and told my family and friends about being on TV. The first thing some of them said was, "I didn't think Inga was shy." Disclaimer: Not all introverts are shy. Shy people want to hang out but feel nervous about it. Introverts can hang out, but it makes us tired. Both stand alone at large networking events, but introverts would rather not be there at all, while shy people feel they have no choice. The Network Like An Introvert event is a small intimate gathering structured to facilitate small group and one to one interactions, making it easier to connect. Participants meet 3 - 4 people at the event.😘 During the event, we talk about ideas we are passionate about and avoid idle small talk.
Strategies for Introverts to Thrive
1. Embrace Your Need for Solitude
Taking time for yourself is really important for our mental well being. It's good to do things that make you feel happy and full of energy. Every Sunday, I embrace a sacred ritual, my "off the grid" day, where I disconnect from the digital world and enter a space of spiritual solitude.This day is not marked by the pings of social media notifications but by the quiet introspection of my thoughts and reflections. It's a day dedicated to acknowledging my wins, understanding my losses, and extracting key learnings from the past week. This practice is not just about looking back; it's a launching pad for the week ahead. Allowing me to set new goals with clarity and intention. I think about how to make my business better, spend time with my family, and take care of my health. This special day helps me make sure everything in my life is going the right way. It shows how taking a break to think and plan by yourself is really powerful.
2. Set Boundaries
It's really important to tell people what you need by setting clear boundaries around your time and energy. This can help prevent feelings of overwhelm and burnout. Introverts are not inferior to extroverts, we are different.This isn't about isolation but about honoring our needs for solitude and quiet to maintain mental and emotional well-being. Establishing these boundaries involves communicating openly with friends, family, and colleagues about your limits and the importance of downtime. It means saying no to social engagements when you're feeling drained and scheduling 'me time' in your calendar as non-negotiable. By doing so, introverts can protect their energy reserves, enhance their productivity, and enjoy deeper, more meaningful interactions when they engage. This practice not only benefits the introvert but also educates others on the value of respecting individual needs in a diverse society.
3. Find Your Tribe
While large social gatherings are draining, connecting with a small group of like-minded individuals provides the social support that is crucial. Everyone has a role to play in creating a more understanding and supportive environment for mental health. You may question "Am I a reserved person or outgoing person?" Whatever your personality type, you are not alone. By encouraging open dialogues about mental health issues, we can break down the stigmas and misconceptions that often surround them. Advocating for spaces that respect and accommodate different social energies is vital, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and valued in their interactions. Mental health care is a universal need no matter if they're quiet or loud. When we all work together, we can make a world where everyone feels okay asking for help and support. Look for communities, online and offline, where you feel understood and valued.
4. Leverage Your Strengths
Being a good listener, thinking things through, and forging deep relationships are our introverted super powers. Our quiet determination and thoughtful approach to problem-solving set us apart. By focusing on quality over quantity in our interactions, we create authentic connections that lead to lasting business relationships. Our introverted nature allows us to be excellent observers and strategists, enabling us to understand the nuances of our market and anticipate needs in a way that is insightful and impactful. Leveraging these strengths means recognizing that our introversion is not a barrier to success but a unique pathway to achieving our goals. Allowing us to build successful businesses on our own terms.
5. Seek Professional Support
If you find that your introversion is significantly impacting your mental health, don't hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop strategies to navigate the world in a way that feels authentic to you. Embrace our unique qualities and know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 🤗
Conclusion
Raising the awareness of mental health is crucial, and Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder for us to foster greater empathy, understanding, and support for everyone, no matter where they fall on the introversion-extroversion spectrum.
Understanding yourself and talking about introversion and mental health helps everyone understand people are different which helps everyone's mental health.
We will love to hear from you. Share our experiences, tips, and thoughts on mental health and introversion in the comments section below.
