I feel like isolating myself, but deep inside I am very lonely. What do I do?

More often than not, becoming isolated is like an impulse as it is the only thing you know to do. But isolation can have negative effects, as you said, loneliness. Therefore, if it will help, you can try scheduling time to spend with other people while having time for yourself. It can also be something simple as going for a walk or playing a game, maybe swim, rather than holing up in a room. C:

I think I understand where you are coming from. We crave emotional connection, but speaking with others can oftentimes be emotionally and physically draining. Sometimes, I will feel as if I'm missing something (e.g. a best friend), but there will be other times when I need to shut myself away from everyone else for awhile in order to clear my head. For example, I would be too exhausted to maintain a conversation with my coworkers after work, and would just rush home so that I can rest. However, being alone is the last thing I would need, because then I'm left alone with my own thoughts which can be extremely uncomfortable. I think in these circumstances, it's important to know why you are isolating yourself or why you are feeling lonely inside. Do you think that you need more space than other people do? Are you unable to find people around you who share the same interests or personality? Knowing how much time you need to yourself to recharge is also extremely important. I would also suggest speaking with a therapist or peer counselor (7 Cups of Tea is here for a reason!) He or she may help you discover ways for you to deal with your feelings of loneliness, and build connections within your community.

I contact someone on 7cups or others to talk about what is causing me to want to be isolated. Sometimes letting other people hear what is happening with me might help me to get out of my troubling thoughts and feelings. They might be able to help me to see what I am really needing.

This may be a moment to self-reflect for a short while on your own, but eventually take small steps and edge towards speaking to people about your feelings and discovering new relationships.

Try your best to talk to someone. Challenging yourself is helpful.If you don't succeed try next time

Why do I feel lonely and what cause me isolated? Recheck and think about the possible ways that made you apart from others. What need to change? Myself of change others? If you have doubt about something with someone that you think unproper, face it and clarify your doubt.

Talk to a friend or family member. Just talking to someone can be very helpful at providing you with comfort and make you feel less lonely. If you feel you can't do that, try a therapist. Try and make new friends and put yourself out there. It is never a good idea to isolate yourself, especially if you feel lonely. Surround yourself with only people who make you feel good about yourself.

I make a list. I list everything I think I would like to do. I pick something, anything, from that list and search for how I can do that thing. I focus on planning the activity, I consider people that I know who may like to join me - and let them know my plans. I look at local clubs and opportunities, if I dont feel brave enough to join, I note them on my list for a braver day. If there is a reason I think that is preventing me from trying something on the list I will ask myself what it is, what I could do to address it and make a plan!

Mm I definitely know the feeling! Last year as I went through an episode of depression, I felt extremely lonely, but at the same time I would push people away too. Which makes it a hard situation because part of you desparately wants company, but at the same time, we also sort of enjoy being alone all the time. What I found was that I really needed to push myself to see people because if I didn't, I'd just continue pushing people away and making myself feel worse. I had to let people back into my life, and then they'd let me back in too.

Let people in. Risk it. There might be some people who will hurt you, bring you down and make you feel even worse. Even then, there are ones who are kind, willing to help and will do things to make you feel better no matter when you least expect it. Give yourself that opportunity. Doing nothing won't get you anywhere. But opening a door, there's a 50-50 chance that it might be what you're looking for. :)

Take the time to find out what is enjoyable to you. If you isolate yourself and it gives you time to think, go for it, you might even find things that you are passionate about and that can become a platform for you to make connections with new people

Maybe try to keep a good balance between social and alone time. When it's an in-the-moment thing, just try to silently hang out with family (if they're around) or chat with a friend (via calling or text). If you try different things, you'll eventually learn what's the best method for you : )

This sounds like something I experienced/still experience from time to time. If it's the same as what I've gone through, you might be feeling discouraged at being so lonely and not finding meaningful social connections which causes you to be more prone to isolating yourself, even though doing so does not encourage the forming of new social connections. I would suggest you try reaching out to others to hang out or just chat a while, even when you don't feel like it. It might feel better to be isolated, but reaching out is important to end the vicious cycle of loneliness and isolation you seem to be stuck in. Hope this helps, take care

This does not have one answer, but people are naturally social creatures. Even if you feel more comfortable by yourself, get some air every now and then in a public place like a grocery store or a museum. If you have a friend or two, make sure to keep up with them. Isolating yourself will only allow you to spiral further into loneliness.

Take a brave step and reach out to someone. Maybe a friend or an anonymous listener (like here) who you can talk to.

Feelings that are battling each other like that can be very confusing. Not knowing which direction to turn to can be challenging. Talking out these opposing feelings may be beneficial to you.

I am often lonely but still choose to isolate myself to avoid being seen as lonely in front of people. I prefer people to think I'm unemotional than overly so, especially if i dont know them personally.

Try and reach out to some close friends and tell the ones you truly trust about how you're feeling. My friends always tried to make sure that if I felt that way they would give me some space but at least try and continue to make sure I was kept around them. They would help me feel like I was both isolated but a part of the friendship at the same time. It isn't for everyone but having that trust will also help you to come back to that friend when you are ready.

That is a surprisingly common feeling, and it is very human. Be kind to yourself, don't feel bad for wanting to isolate yourself. Take little steps to connect with other people whenever you feel ready. Maybe start online if it's easier. A message in an internet forum. A wave on facebook messenger. Or simply a post in your blog. When you want to get out, find a local group with activities that you enjoy or want to try. Smile. Be yourself. And don't be sad if a few minutes is all you can muster. There's always tomorrow. Over time the fruits of your effort build up. You'll spend less and less time isolating yourself. People will find you and connect with you. No man is an island.

It is natural to seek human connection, but at the same time, opening yourself up and feeling vulnerable can be one of the hardest feelings in the world. Finding only a few people - just one or two - to have a deep connection with can truly make a difference between feeling loved and feeling lonely. Sometimes, we just need a breather, but constantly staying in your shell won't help you get the warmth and support you need! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to find someone that is willing to listen to you.

Start by talking to someone, that person can be anyone. Just talk. If not personally, be it on a call or text. Isolating may not be a very good idea. If you think you have no one, maybe your parents, they care. Just visit them, you may not tell them everything. Or maybe an old friend, getting back in touch would be a good idea. What I am saying is just talk, to anyone. And talk about anything, the most random things. Express yourself. It's hard sometimes, being lonely inside. But you just don't want to go away, believe me.

You should do what you feel deep inside -which I feel is, apparently, to not be lonely. We both know it's impossible to be totally isolated from society, maybe it's a matter of looking and knowing the right type of people. Hey you could find them here on 7cups!

Ask for help, it is perfectly okay and very healthy and smart to do so, actually! Find groups associated to hobbies you like or strenghten your current relationships' circles.

Loneliness is never a good feeling to sit with, and it can often lead one down to even darker places. But please know that no matter who you are there are people that care about you and are willing to help you. Hold onto those people that love you! Here at 7 cups, we're here to listen and support so that you never feel lonely either. If you are lonely, please know that you are never alone.

You need to dig deep inside of yourself and ask what you really want. Isolating yourself constantly is never a good idea unless youre around people that are toxic to your health.

Tell one person you’re not feeling okay. Of course it can be extremely helpful to be open about exactly what you’re going through and how you feel, but if that feels too daunting or you don’t feel like you know anyone who would understand, it’s okay to just tell someone you aren’t doing well without getting into the details. Opening up doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and even telling someone you trust that you’re having a hard time but you’d rather not explain it can lift a huge weight and make you feel a lot less alone. The desire to isolate yourself often comes from exhaustion due to the pressure to “fake it” around other people, so taking steps toward being more genuine—even when you aren’t ready to be open—can do a lot to alleviate that.

Be alone for a bit. Take a walk, listen to music, go watch a movie. By the end of the day, so talk to someone. Anybody who you are close to. Just talk about the day.

Don't isolate yourself, but don't surround yourself with people either. Keep in contact with a select few people you really care about or try to make a couple of close friends. Talk those these people regularly and see them regularly. Going to parties with many people and no close personal contact might only make it worse.

Try talking about it, to a trained listener, or a therapist, it's a great way to start and get a perspective on what you really want, how you really feel, and perhaps even why.

A message that might help you is: what is most personal is also most universal. Often times, many of us think that no one can understand what we're feeling or thinking, and that mentality pushes us towards a cycle of isolation. However, many people are more relatable than we make them out to be. I know it will be hard, but try reaching out to someone you can trust, or even talk to someone on 7 Cups about what you are feeling that makes you want to isolate yourself and you will more than likely find that you are never alone in this world :)