The isolation can wreak havoc on your self esteem, so I'd certainly err on the side of agreement that it doesn't seem a healthy coping skill. Aside from seeing a pdoc or your prescribing physician, are you undergoing any talk therapy or group classes?

Have tried reaching out, on PC under the coping with emotions forum? Maybe reaching the core part of what's overwhelming you in these groups could help? Could feelings of shame, if any member of your social circle be contributing to these feelings? Are the anxiety meds for your bipolar ineffective? Do you perhaps need something different?