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

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.