[BipolarWolf]

I isolate and close myself off most of the time. The only person I really talk to is my mom, that is because she is my support person. I am not able to work and this is the first time ever reaching out to a forum like this.

I read a lot of stuff on the internet about PTSD, Bipolar and all the meds I take or have taken. I have no friends. I got rid of them all, or they left on their own when things were said or done that they didn't agree with.

Anyone else isolate themselves too?

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.

[Skeezyks]

I'm pretty-thoroughly reclusive. But I'm old. So it's okay...

[BipolarWolf]

Thanks all, appreciate the responses so far. I too am a hermit type, have been that way for a long time.
Isolation is a double edged sword for me. There's lots of times where I hate it, then I think I would rather be in isolation rather than put myself out there to be hurt, judged.
It's a constant topic in therapy for me.

Although, I spend lots of time with my son when he is here!

I call him my best medicine

[sophiebunny]

I isolate. I have no family. My daughter is an adult and resents my mental illnesses so I don't see her much. I am learning to make 1 friend, but I'm slow. My primary connections to the world are my psychiatrist and psychologist. They understand this and they guide gently. Sometimes I curl up in a corner and rock for hours, losing time as I do so. That's my comfort.