In some ways 'retreating' into one's thoughts instead of running into the wall is similiar to 'uncovering' ourselves, expressing ourselves, whether it be here or IRL. I've found the opposite, that when I retreated into myself I got to know myself so well that I blossomed, became leader of my support group, advanced at my job, volunteered at church, bonded with new friends, and I think PC and exploring myself here has helped. The real world used to seem so superficial, callous, it would go on in a cavalier way...when I paid attention to my inner story, along with the help of frineds not family, whether it's uncovering or retreating in, something helped. My hope for Sister is that she can find that '....something...'