Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesRisk FactorsNegative EffectsHow to Overcome Social WithdrawalWhen to Seek Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Negative Effects
How to Overcome Social Withdrawal
When to Seek Help
Social withdrawal occurs when a person intentionally avoids opportunities to interact with others. Experiencing emotions like shame, anger, low self-esteem, or relationship issues may lead to social withdrawal. The condition is sometimes rooted in anxiety, personality, or mood disorders. In some cases, withdrawing from social engagement could also be a sign of schizophrenia.When we choose to limit our opportunities for connection, it can lead to issues that impact our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It can even put us more at risk for type 2 diabetes, dementia, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.If you’re struggling with social withdrawal, it might be important to seek help.fizkes / Getty ImagesSocial Withdrawal SymptomsSocial behavior and relationships contribute to healthy development. It teaches us much about ourselves and our identities and influences our social and cognitive skills.Social withdrawal can lead to a person developing a pattern of solitary activities. In turn, their interpersonal skills may suffer.Social withdrawal can be associated with shame, low self-esteem, andfear of rejection. In addition, lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and physical, cognitive, and mental health issues.Examples of Social WithdrawalThese are some examples of what social withdrawal might look like:Your family invited you to dinner this weekend, but you don’t feel like interacting with others and decide not to go.Your coworkers keep inviting you to lunch, and you keep saying no.Your best friends have been calling and texting you, but you don’t have the energy or desire to respond.You’ve skipped your community sports league games for the last few weeks.If you find yourself withdrawing socially in these or other ways, it may increaseanxiety,depression, and shame. The longer you go on like this, the more isolated you feel.Social Withdrawal CausesThere are many theories on what contributes to social withdrawal. Research suggests that withdrawal is associated with mental health conditions such as:Anxiety disordersDepressive/mood disordersPersonality disordersSchizophreniaChild and adolescent autism spectrum disordersIn these cases, social withdrawal is sometimes viewed as a sign or symptom of a mental health disorder. Other factors that can lead to social withdrawal include:Low self-esteemShameSadnessVulnerabilityAngerPerceived isolationPrevious relationship issuesFear of rejectionA person’s preference or temperament, environment, and familial dynamics are also possible factors.Social Withdrawal in ChildrenAs children grow and discover more about themselves, they may have periods when they become more elusive or reclusive. To some extent, this is normal as they explore their identities.However, if you notice that your child is avoiding school, experiencing low mood, having difficulty establishing friendships, or engaging socially, these may indicate that something else is happening.Children may withdraw for many reasons. It may be a manifestation of:Mental health conditions like anxiety or depressionBullying or other conflictsSocial pressureShynessFeeling misunderstoodSocial connectedness is vital for the development of children and teens. It helps them enhance the cognitive and social skills they’ll utilize throughout their lives and learn how to establish support systems.When children and adolescents become overly withdrawn, it can lead to:Feelings of lonelinessDisconnectionSelf-harming behaviorsEating disordersThoughts of suicideIt’s important to talk to your kids about their social connections and how they are struggling.Risk FactorsThere are risk factors that can increase your likelihood of becoming socially withdrawn. Research identifies the following factors as possible influences:BiologicalEnvironmentalParentingPeer relationshipsAge, particularly in older adults who experience cognitive declineMental health conditions likeADHD, anxiety, depression, and schizophreniaInteractions among these factors can lead to increased social withdrawal.Is Social Withdrawal Healthy?Social withdrawal is not to be confused with taking some time for yourself. Spending time alone can be healthy for reflection, self-care, or self-maintenance.This is different from a more extended pattern of social withdrawal and isolation that can have negative consequences.For instance, social withdrawal at certain stages of development can impact the development of interpersonal skills, perspective-taking, problem-solving, and teaching individuals mutual respect.A person’s overall health, well-being, and daily functioning can suffer when they significantly withdraw from social interactions. Doing so can lead to isolation, loneliness, stress, relational conflict, low energy, and even suicidal thoughts.Health issues may also be linked to social withdrawal. It may make you more susceptible to conditions including:Type 2 diabetesDementiaHeart disease and strokeAnxiety and depressionSelf-harm and suicideEarlier deathThe COVID-19 pandemic caused a type offorced social withdrawalfor many, and we are still learning about the longer-term impacts of this.How to Overcome Social WithdrawalSome ways to overcome social withdrawal include:Learning coping skills to manage anxiety and depressionReconnect with trusted members of your support systemRediscover hobbies and interestsTalk to a healthcare provider or schedule an appointment with a mental health professionalPracticing self-compassion and self-careWhen to Seek HelpIt’s OK toask for help. It may be the first step in your journey to feeling better and becoming an active participant in your relationships again.You might consider seeking support if you notice:Anxiety or depression symptomsAvoidance behaviorsDifficulty connecting with othersLack of desire to interact with othersWorsening social withdrawalSelf-harmSuicidal thoughtsIf social withdrawal significantly impacts your life and relationships, it may be time to seek help.Help Is AvailableIf you or a loved one are struggling with social withdrawal, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.SummaryA socially withdrawn person removes themselves from encounters and interactions with others.There are many reasons why people may choose not to connect with others, including anxiety, fear, shame, vulnerability, potential rejection, and more. It can be a reflection of an underlying mental health condition.Social withdrawal can significantly impact a person’s ability to develop relationships with others and influence their sense of self and mental well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to seek help if you find yourself withdrawing or notice your child or other loved one doing so.
Social withdrawal occurs when a person intentionally avoids opportunities to interact with others. Experiencing emotions like shame, anger, low self-esteem, or relationship issues may lead to social withdrawal. The condition is sometimes rooted in anxiety, personality, or mood disorders. In some cases, withdrawing from social engagement could also be a sign of schizophrenia.
When we choose to limit our opportunities for connection, it can lead to issues that impact our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It can even put us more at risk for type 2 diabetes, dementia, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.If you’re struggling with social withdrawal, it might be important to seek help.
fizkes / Getty Images
Social Withdrawal Symptoms
Social behavior and relationships contribute to healthy development. It teaches us much about ourselves and our identities and influences our social and cognitive skills.
Social withdrawal can lead to a person developing a pattern of solitary activities. In turn, their interpersonal skills may suffer.
Social withdrawal can be associated with shame, low self-esteem, andfear of rejection. In addition, lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and physical, cognitive, and mental health issues.
Examples of Social WithdrawalThese are some examples of what social withdrawal might look like:Your family invited you to dinner this weekend, but you don’t feel like interacting with others and decide not to go.Your coworkers keep inviting you to lunch, and you keep saying no.Your best friends have been calling and texting you, but you don’t have the energy or desire to respond.You’ve skipped your community sports league games for the last few weeks.If you find yourself withdrawing socially in these or other ways, it may increaseanxiety,depression, and shame. The longer you go on like this, the more isolated you feel.
Examples of Social Withdrawal
These are some examples of what social withdrawal might look like:Your family invited you to dinner this weekend, but you don’t feel like interacting with others and decide not to go.Your coworkers keep inviting you to lunch, and you keep saying no.Your best friends have been calling and texting you, but you don’t have the energy or desire to respond.You’ve skipped your community sports league games for the last few weeks.If you find yourself withdrawing socially in these or other ways, it may increaseanxiety,depression, and shame. The longer you go on like this, the more isolated you feel.
These are some examples of what social withdrawal might look like:
If you find yourself withdrawing socially in these or other ways, it may increaseanxiety,depression, and shame. The longer you go on like this, the more isolated you feel.
Social Withdrawal Causes
There are many theories on what contributes to social withdrawal. Research suggests that withdrawal is associated with mental health conditions such as:
In these cases, social withdrawal is sometimes viewed as a sign or symptom of a mental health disorder. Other factors that can lead to social withdrawal include:
A person’s preference or temperament, environment, and familial dynamics are also possible factors.
Social Withdrawal in Children
As children grow and discover more about themselves, they may have periods when they become more elusive or reclusive. To some extent, this is normal as they explore their identities.
However, if you notice that your child is avoiding school, experiencing low mood, having difficulty establishing friendships, or engaging socially, these may indicate that something else is happening.
Children may withdraw for many reasons. It may be a manifestation of:
Social connectedness is vital for the development of children and teens. It helps them enhance the cognitive and social skills they’ll utilize throughout their lives and learn how to establish support systems.
When children and adolescents become overly withdrawn, it can lead to:
It’s important to talk to your kids about their social connections and how they are struggling.
There are risk factors that can increase your likelihood of becoming socially withdrawn. Research identifies the following factors as possible influences:
Interactions among these factors can lead to increased social withdrawal.
Is Social Withdrawal Healthy?
Social withdrawal is not to be confused with taking some time for yourself. Spending time alone can be healthy for reflection, self-care, or self-maintenance.
This is different from a more extended pattern of social withdrawal and isolation that can have negative consequences.
For instance, social withdrawal at certain stages of development can impact the development of interpersonal skills, perspective-taking, problem-solving, and teaching individuals mutual respect.
A person’s overall health, well-being, and daily functioning can suffer when they significantly withdraw from social interactions. Doing so can lead to isolation, loneliness, stress, relational conflict, low energy, and even suicidal thoughts.
Health issues may also be linked to social withdrawal. It may make you more susceptible to conditions including:
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a type offorced social withdrawalfor many, and we are still learning about the longer-term impacts of this.
Some ways to overcome social withdrawal include:
It’s OK toask for help. It may be the first step in your journey to feeling better and becoming an active participant in your relationships again.
You might consider seeking support if you notice:
If social withdrawal significantly impacts your life and relationships, it may be time to seek help.
Help Is AvailableIf you or a loved one are struggling with social withdrawal, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Help Is Available
If you or a loved one are struggling with social withdrawal, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
If you or a loved one are struggling with social withdrawal, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Summary
A socially withdrawn person removes themselves from encounters and interactions with others.
There are many reasons why people may choose not to connect with others, including anxiety, fear, shame, vulnerability, potential rejection, and more. It can be a reflection of an underlying mental health condition.
Social withdrawal can significantly impact a person’s ability to develop relationships with others and influence their sense of self and mental well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to seek help if you find yourself withdrawing or notice your child or other loved one doing so.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Morese R, Palermo S, Torello C, Sechi F.Social withdrawal and mental health: an interdisciplinary approach. In: Morese R, Palermo S, Fiorella R, eds.Social Isolation: An Interdisciplinary View. IntechOpen; 2020. doi:10.5772/intechopen.90735CDC. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.“Malagón-Amor Á, Martín-López LM, Córcoles D, et al.Family features of social withdrawal syndrome (Hikikomori).Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:138. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00138Zava F, Sette S, Baumgartner E, Coplan RJ.Social withdrawal. In:Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences. Elsevier; 2021. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-818872-9.00040-6Rubin KH, Coplan RJ, Bowker JC.Social withdrawal in childhood.Annu Rev Psychol. 2009;60:141-171. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163642Zhu S, Lee PH, Wong PWC.Investigating prolonged social withdrawal behaviour as a risk factor for self-harm and suicidal behaviours.BJPsych Open. 2021;7(3):e90. doi:10.1192/bjo.2021.47National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.Risk and protective factors for social isolation and loneliness. National Academies Press (US); 2020.Schlüter DK, Tennant A, Mills R, Diggle PJ, Young CA.Risk factors for social withdrawal in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration. 2018;19(7-8):591-598. doi:10.1080/21678421.2018.1508477Pietrabissa G, Simpson SG.Psychological consequences of social isolation during covid-19 outbreak.Front Psychol. 2020;11:2201. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02201
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Morese R, Palermo S, Torello C, Sechi F.Social withdrawal and mental health: an interdisciplinary approach. In: Morese R, Palermo S, Fiorella R, eds.Social Isolation: An Interdisciplinary View. IntechOpen; 2020. doi:10.5772/intechopen.90735CDC. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.“Malagón-Amor Á, Martín-López LM, Córcoles D, et al.Family features of social withdrawal syndrome (Hikikomori).Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:138. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00138Zava F, Sette S, Baumgartner E, Coplan RJ.Social withdrawal. In:Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences. Elsevier; 2021. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-818872-9.00040-6Rubin KH, Coplan RJ, Bowker JC.Social withdrawal in childhood.Annu Rev Psychol. 2009;60:141-171. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163642Zhu S, Lee PH, Wong PWC.Investigating prolonged social withdrawal behaviour as a risk factor for self-harm and suicidal behaviours.BJPsych Open. 2021;7(3):e90. doi:10.1192/bjo.2021.47National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.Risk and protective factors for social isolation and loneliness. National Academies Press (US); 2020.Schlüter DK, Tennant A, Mills R, Diggle PJ, Young CA.Risk factors for social withdrawal in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration. 2018;19(7-8):591-598. doi:10.1080/21678421.2018.1508477Pietrabissa G, Simpson SG.Psychological consequences of social isolation during covid-19 outbreak.Front Psychol. 2020;11:2201. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02201
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Morese R, Palermo S, Torello C, Sechi F.Social withdrawal and mental health: an interdisciplinary approach. In: Morese R, Palermo S, Fiorella R, eds.Social Isolation: An Interdisciplinary View. IntechOpen; 2020. doi:10.5772/intechopen.90735CDC. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.“Malagón-Amor Á, Martín-López LM, Córcoles D, et al.Family features of social withdrawal syndrome (Hikikomori).Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:138. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00138Zava F, Sette S, Baumgartner E, Coplan RJ.Social withdrawal. In:Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences. Elsevier; 2021. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-818872-9.00040-6Rubin KH, Coplan RJ, Bowker JC.Social withdrawal in childhood.Annu Rev Psychol. 2009;60:141-171. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163642Zhu S, Lee PH, Wong PWC.Investigating prolonged social withdrawal behaviour as a risk factor for self-harm and suicidal behaviours.BJPsych Open. 2021;7(3):e90. doi:10.1192/bjo.2021.47National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.Risk and protective factors for social isolation and loneliness. National Academies Press (US); 2020.Schlüter DK, Tennant A, Mills R, Diggle PJ, Young CA.Risk factors for social withdrawal in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration. 2018;19(7-8):591-598. doi:10.1080/21678421.2018.1508477Pietrabissa G, Simpson SG.Psychological consequences of social isolation during covid-19 outbreak.Front Psychol. 2020;11:2201. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02201
Morese R, Palermo S, Torello C, Sechi F.Social withdrawal and mental health: an interdisciplinary approach. In: Morese R, Palermo S, Fiorella R, eds.Social Isolation: An Interdisciplinary View. IntechOpen; 2020. doi:10.5772/intechopen.90735
CDC. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.”
Malagón-Amor Á, Martín-López LM, Córcoles D, et al.Family features of social withdrawal syndrome (Hikikomori).Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:138. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00138
Zava F, Sette S, Baumgartner E, Coplan RJ.Social withdrawal. In:Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences. Elsevier; 2021. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-818872-9.00040-6
Rubin KH, Coplan RJ, Bowker JC.Social withdrawal in childhood.Annu Rev Psychol. 2009;60:141-171. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163642
Zhu S, Lee PH, Wong PWC.Investigating prolonged social withdrawal behaviour as a risk factor for self-harm and suicidal behaviours.BJPsych Open. 2021;7(3):e90. doi:10.1192/bjo.2021.47
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.Risk and protective factors for social isolation and loneliness. National Academies Press (US); 2020.
Schlüter DK, Tennant A, Mills R, Diggle PJ, Young CA.Risk factors for social withdrawal in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration. 2018;19(7-8):591-598. doi:10.1080/21678421.2018.1508477
Pietrabissa G, Simpson SG.Psychological consequences of social isolation during covid-19 outbreak.Front Psychol. 2020;11:2201. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02201
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