Navigating Emotional Challenges After Diwali: Understanding Social Avoidance

As the dust settles after a vibrant Diwali, many might still be processing the emotional toll!

What? Why?

Well, a lesser-discussed phenomenon is the strong urge some people have, to avoid social interactions altogether during high-demand festive periods. But despite what they feel inside, they might be forced to socialize due to familial, career or other reasons and hence the emotional toll.

Very often we ascribe this to shyness. But the thing is, this may not be just that. Frequent or intense social avoidance can be a key indicator of underlying psychological factors that should be explored: 

• Social Anxiety: The fear of being judged or scrutinized can make even joyous events feel like a performance, leading to avoidance as a coping mechanism. 

• Burnout/Overwhelm: The pressure to "be happy" and meet social obligations, compounded with work stress, can lead to emotional exhaustion. Avoidance, in this case, is a plea for self-preservation. 

• Personality-Environment Mismatch: As noted in personality psychology, those with a preference for low-stimulation environments (introverts) will naturally seek withdrawal when their environment becomes high-stimulation (festivals).

If you are comfortable in being an introvert, it’s fine. But if this pattern of avoidance significantly impacts your quality of life or leads to guilt and isolation, it's a strong signal to seek professional support.

Counseling can help individuals: 

1.  Identify the root cause (anxiety, stress, or a normal need for space). 

2.  Develop healthy, non-avoidant coping skills. 

3.  Learn to communicate their energy needs and set effective boundaries.

Embrace the quiet after the noise. If the quiet feels lonely, reach out.

Earlier the better. Christmas season will soon be here!