Introverts, these 4 health conditions you may experience

Introversion or introvert is one of the personality types. Those who are introverted personalities tend to have characteristics of focusing on thoughts and feelings that come from within themselves, aka internal, rather than looking for stimulation that comes from outside.

Unlike extroverts who will get energy from social interactions, introverts actually feel they have to spend a lot of energy when they have to socialize with many people. It's no wonder that introverts prefer to be alone or with just one or two other people.

For example, if an introvert comes home from school or work where there are a lot of people, they usually need to be alone afterward and spend some time alone to recharge. In contrast to an extrovert who instead has to spend time with family when coming home from school or work.

Well, introverts

The mental and physical health of introverts

1. It is easier to stress in a crowded environment

If you have an introverted personality, you must be more sensitive and aware of the environment around you. However, according to Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at Davis & Elkins College and author of Introvert Power, sometimes this can actually make you vulnerable to stress.

Even with lots of people or just chitchat for long periods of time, it can be mentally draining and stressful for introverts. In fact, it is arguably nearly impossible for a person to completely avoid such social situations. Even when you go to the office, the person sitting next to you in public transportation will probably talk to you for small talk.

That's why introverts are more stressed out than extroverts, who enjoy social gatherings or interactions with many people.

2. Introverts are more likely to develop depression

Not everyone who is introverted is depressed, and not all depressed people are introverts either. However, Helgoe said that the two are related. This relationship is attributed to the characteristic features of introverts who tend to experience depressive symptoms.

Introverts usually think a lot about themselves and their lives, but with realistic glasses. When a person is too deep in thought, this may be what triggers the typical depressed person's thoughts or feelings of hopelessness.

3. Introverts may get sick more often

According to a 2014 study from the University of Nottingham and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), extroverts have stronger immune systems than introverts.

Extroverts appear to have immune systems capable of dealing with infections effectively. This may be because of their social nature who often go outside so that their bodies are more immune to germs or viruses.

Researchers say that introverts' immune systems may be somewhat weaker because they tend to spend more time indoors. In addition, introverts usually want to see a doctor less often when they have certain health complaints than extroverts.

Usually people with introverted personalities prefer to self-medicate their complaints with over-the-counter drugs or wait until they heal on their own.

4. Get enough sleep and rest

Getting enough sleep and rest is very important for one's health, both psychologically and physically. Well, according to a 2010 study from the Walter Reed Army Institute, an introvert finds it easier to sleep at night than an extrovert.

This is presumably because after a full day of being awake and interacting with many people, those with introverted personalities tend to be more tired and exhausted at night. Because of that, they sleep faster.

However, all of this comes back to the condition, nature, and habits of each person. A person's health is indeed influenced by many things, not just personality factors.