I've experienced this off and on since age 21. I'm 35 now. Lol. The last time I was really concerned about it, was last year, when I was moving into my new apartment. The weeks before, I pretty much holed up and didn't do much with other people. Even though, I tried to keep my commitments, it was just so hard. Someone suggested, it was my way of dealing with that stress of moving. I believe that person was right.

I do in general have issues with avoidance of social things (hmm....and non-social things as well aka procrastination). It is something I'm continuously working on. I get better at it sometimes, and other times, when I'm not feeling well, I relapse.

Best wishes at the writers residency! That sounds awesome and exciting even if you aren't feeling it, and probably something to be proud of, too