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

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.