How can you tell whether staying to yourself is unhealthy or not? Is there a certain amount of time that must pass by, before it can truly be considered isolation, rather than just being by yourself? Is it healthy to want to be alone for a period of time and not really go out of the way to socialize?

I am just trying to get a feel for what is healthy vs. not so healthy when it comes to spending most of the time alone. Like, determining whether it's depression and a "symptom," or more just a form of self-care, before being ready to dive in to more activities. If you have any ideas on how to distinguish between this, please post.

I am not referring to never leaving the house or being cut off from any interaction at all, but more so staying to yourself more often than before, since that is all you feel ready for at this time in life, compared to maybe another time previously where you were a little more social.

I'd really like any input. Thanks!