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

If you feel like isolating yourself, why do you feel like doing that? Do you not feel like putting the effort into socializing? Consider who you are contemplating spending time with. Maybe you are associating with the wrong people which is making you anxious and lonely. If you really think you want to isolate yourself, then do so. Sit there and you will get bored and want to do something. Who is the number one person you feel most comfortable with who is also a healthy individual in your life? Spend time with them. Also consider isolating yourself because maybe you need time to understand why you feel lonely. Spend some time to think about what about yourself causes you to bore yourself. How can you make yourself more entertaining to yourself? Personally, I find myself happier when isolated. But when isolated, I complete productive tasks that make me feel accomplished. Maybe you have things to do.

Isolation can add to loneliness, and it's tough to get through that. What might be helpful is to reach out to someone you trust and can talk to so that they also know you are lonely and isolating. That way, when you isolate, you'll not be lonely, and when you're lonely, you won't be isolated. Another option is to embrace the fear you may feel, tough as it may be, and ask yourself what is at the heart of it. Is it rational? Is it real? Often it's a perception or anticipation of something that brings us to this conclusion.

Sometimes the saying “fake it till you make it” actually works. I understand it can be hard to hang out with people if you feel like isolating, in fact don’t be hard on yourself! Take it easy, go slow, maybe meet the people you care about the most first and one day, as you keep up with this journey, you will be able to confidently be with other people without feeling uncomfortable. It is ok to be an introvert or to be shy, however it is different than wanting to isolate for a long period of time. Taking time for yourself is amazing, but keep in mind you can’t avoid people forever, they are a part of your life. Balance is what’s best, always. There is beauty in this world and if you haven’t already, you will meet wonderful people who will prove this beauty and won’t make you want to isolate yourself.

I feel the same way often. It's very difficult to put trust into other people to alleviate loneliness, and it feels more secure to spend time on your own then put yourself in front of possible judgement from others. I do not speak for your personal experience, but in my own I have spent a lot of time on my own in my room away from my three roommates. I would rarely ever come out. But one day when I agreed to go on an outing with them, they told me that I was a nice person and that even preferred me over a previous roommate. I was baffled, I was so worried that I was a terrible person and that I was bothering them just by existing. I guess what I'm trying to say is, putting your trust in someone you feel at least somewhat comfortable around is a good decision. Yes, sadly that does make you vulnerable, but more often than not people can surprise you with some positive statements that you weren't aware of. And plus, you can reward yourself for going on an outing or talking to someone when you normally wouldn't. Socializing is genuinely difficult, and you absolutely should be proud of when you do it! I won't lie to you, there will be some times when people don't react in the most positive way. But every positive experience gives you more strength over loneliness, and I guarantee you already are a tougher person than you think you are. Keep going, comrade.

Try to express how you feel on the online community or in person, try to keep your connections. Here on 7 cups we can help you achieve all your goals as well. Try recording a journal as that may give you your answers, as well as something to reflect upon, keep trying to do your best and cope it the best you can. Pen and paper should be a good fix, it can take you anywhere. On that note reading is good as well as you can do it anywhere and be connected to the authors. Keep up the good work

I am sorry to hear that you feel that way :( I know that it can be very difficult to make friends, and that sometimes, although you may be feeling lonely, you feel like isolating yourself, so you cannot be judged or hurt by other people. It can be hard to break the habit of isolating yourself, as in a way it is a defence. Just know that opening up to me now is already a huge step and I am proud of you for that

Well, the only person that would really know what to do is yourself, but i have felt exactly as you do, and it was very hard for me to find a solution. What's the reason you want to isolate yourself?, for me, i found that without knowing the reason I wouldnt be able to hang out with anyone else, no matter how lonely I would feel. As a listener on 7 cups , ive learned that i have to take care of myself before i take care others. You need to first find what is making you want to isolate yourself before you surround yourself with others, because sometimes we can be surrounded by so many people and still be lonely. I have faith, that like me, youll find how to feel safe again arounf people. For now, it may be alright to isolate yourself until you feel your truly ready to be with others. You wont be lonely forever, and youve always got a friend in me if you ever need help. Goodluck ;)

I experience the same thing! I think it's easy for me to drive people away and stick by myself because that's what feels safe to me. That means that I can't be hurt by other people and that I don't have to be pressured to act a certain way around other people. Unfortunately, this means that I don't really have any close friends that I can talk to and hang out with, making me feel lonely. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to put yourself out there. Talk to people even though it's uncomfortable and it will slowly get easier. I know it's really really scary and hard, but there are so many listeners here that can hear you out and support you if you ever need it!

I completely understand how you feel. Its hard wanting to isolate yourself but feel really sad and alone. if you feel like you can't open up to anyone or feel uncomfortable, maybe start writing down how you feel in a notebook so you can get it all out. Or if you have someone in your life that you trust and know who loves you, maybe start by mentioning how you have been feeling to them and possibly they can help you through it. And there is no shame in asking for help if you need it, everyone needs help once in a while, its a normal thing. Also don't try to push yourself, go at the right and comfortable speed for you.

we isolates ourselves because we are unable to find people to whom we connect to, with whom we don't get judged when we share ourselves, who are trustworthy. That's why someone isolates themselves and keeps their feelings to themselves. Since, we can't connect we feel lonely inside and unable to express ourselves. For example you will feel more homely with your loved ones, your parents. you will not feel lonely, when you are with them. So you need to find someone whose thoughts reverberate with that of yours. You can spend time with yourself doing the things which makes you happy, doing the things which helps you express like writing, some creative work etc.