Is unwillingness to make friends a psychological illness

Not wanting to make friends is not necessarily a mental illness, it may be a manifestation of personality preferences or short-term psychological states. Social avoidance may be related to factors such as introverted personality, social anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, and autism spectrum disorder.

1. Introverted personality

Introverted individuals typically gain energy from solitude and have a lower need for deep socialization, which is a normal personality trait. This group of people tends to prefer a small amount of high-quality social interaction rather than extensive socializing, without the need for deliberate change. However, it is important to distinguish between introversion and social anxiety, the latter of which may be accompanied by significant physical discomfort.

2. Social anxiety

may belong to social anxiety disorder when there is sustained fear and avoidance of social scenes. Typical manifestations include fear of negative evaluation, physical reactions such as palpitations and sweating. Cognitive behavioral therapy and progressive exposure training are helpful for such situations, and in severe cases, medication such as paroxetine can be used according to medical advice.

3. Depressive mood

Continuous low mood can reduce social motivation, manifested as active isolation. Be alert to depression when accompanied by symptoms such as decreased interest and sleep disturbances. Supportive psychotherapy combined with regular exercise can improve the condition, and professional intervention is necessary when necessary. After experiencing negative events such as bullying and betrayal, defensive social withdrawal may occur. Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder may exhibit increased alertness and avoidance of triggering scenarios. Sandplay therapy and other trauma therapies can help rebuild a sense of security.

5. Developmental disorders such as Asperger's syndrome on the autism spectrum

can lead to difficulties in social communication, often accompanied by stereotyped behavior. This type of situation requires early behavioral intervention to improve adaptability through social skills training, but the core traits are difficult to completely change.

Short term changes in social needs do not require excessive concern, but if accompanied by functional impairment or pain lasting for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek psychological assessment. In daily life, one can gradually establish a comfortable social circle by cultivating common interests, attending small gatherings, and other ways to avoid forcing change and causing resistance. Maintaining moderate social connections has a protective effect on mental health, but respecting individual differences is equally important.