I isolate myself all the time, but I'm also naturally kind of a hermit.

I think people innately isolate themselves when they're struggling a lot. I'm not saying that isolation is always healthy, but a lot of us do it because it's how we cope with stressors, mood, etc..

I think it's okay to isolate yourself when you know you are a danger to others (e.g., you're having a fit of rage and you need to calm down before you physically hurt someone or yourself), but it really isn't healthy to isolate when you're depressed, for example. I'm not a good example, though, because I tend to isolate myself whenever I'm depressed since I want to be left alone with my thoughts.

If you're worried about too much isolation, you can always join a therapy group where you can talk with fellow people with mental illnesses. Since you're in the U.S., I'd like to point out that two of the biggest *free* therapy groups are DBSA and NAMI. (Not sure if you've heard of them?) My local DBSA group meets I think every Thursday? And other local ones meet once or twice a month. I have never attended any NAMI or DBSA groups, but they are an option for you if you can't afford group therapy or don't want to pay to attend one.

If you aren't comfortable sharing things in a group setting, that's okay. You can always join a local meetup on meetup.com. Or, you can find a place like a church that has activities you can participate in. I'm not religious, but some members here are and they like going to church groups and stuff. I think it's great that they're reaching out to their community. Everything is usually free unless you are asked to make a donation. Even meetups are generally free unless you're meeting up at a restaurant or something like that where you have to pay for your own meal.

Finally, you can volunteer, be it at a soup kitchen, a library, etc.. That's another free thing you can do.