[behappynow]

Does anyone tend to avoid people or isolate themselves when they are feeling depressed? I feel like it's for the best, but I've read about bipolar disorder and it suggests to not do that. I feel really confused. I get really irritated and angry at what my close relatives/friends/boyfriend say and often become rude with them. I say things on impulse and regret them later. I don't know what to do.

[Trippin2.0]

ALOT of us isolate while depressed, for varying reasons.


The trick is to not isolate too much and drive people away permanently. Unintentionally burning bridges is never a good experience.


I myself isolate when severely depressed or agitated, because the latter state of mind is just way too unpleasant for everyone, including myself. I don't enjoy biting off people's heads for no reason.


Do what's good for you, what helps you.

[iwonderaboutstuff]

I totally do that. I feel like it's for the best too. That said, it's good for me to get out in the world, among strangers; helps with the isolation feeding depression thing

[behappynow]

Originally Posted by iwonderaboutstuff

I totally do that. I feel like it's for the best too. That said, it's good for me to get out in the world, among strangers; helps with the isolation feeding depression thing

Yeah! I feel like I need isolation from people I know, and get out of the house. I do fine with strangers. Going out for a drive makes me feel better as well.

[Fuzzybear]

I think lots of us do that. I've found it to be good, but only in small amounts. Be sure not to isolate entirely.

I do isolate sometimes and it's a coping mechanism for my bipolar. Basically, I'm easily overstimulated by people, places and things since developing the disorder.

What I do is spend time with people who mean the most to me and with whom I share a quality relationship. I have fewer friends, for example, but the ones I do have are great.

Try a local bipolar support group - check meetup.com for listings or contact NAMI. Just an idea. You'll likely meet a nice group of people that won't judge you and "get it." Feels good to receive support and give it, too.

My local group meets for 90 minutes in a local library where we have a confidential support group meeting. After group, some of us go to an inexpensive cafe down the road for a bite to eat and socialize.

And, yes, there are days where I just "take the day off" and snuggle in bed with my cats. lol

xo

Sometimes, but I'm MUCH more likely to reach out to people to help me feel better when I get like that. I hope that I didn't annoy one of the few good friends I have left by calling her once in awhile for when I really needed someone to talk to.

I have kept my mouth shut about my issues with two new friends I just made. They'll NEVER know about my issues with anxiety and depression as that will cause most people to disappear on me quickly, or at the very least, cause them to become more distant with me. I like to get out of the house and go to the movies with people, go out to eat, and vent a little about certain issues.

Even if you'd rather not go out, at least you can vent your emotions on here. The people here are so nice, supportive, and understanding! I hope that you get better soon!

[Sesiley]

Originally Posted by behappynow

Does anyone tend to avoid people or isolate themselves when they are feeling depressed? I feel like it's for the best, but I've read about bipolar disorder and it suggests to not do that. I feel really confused. I get really irritated and angry at what my close relatives/friends/boyfriend say and often become rude with them. I say things on impulse and regret them later. I don't know what to do.

I do the same. That's when I hate people and everything about them! I hate the way they chew and walk and breath...just die lol

And the other mood......whee I'm ok

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G750A using Tapatalk

[sunnyjax]

I isolate but it really makes me worse. I find a good walk or some exercise or music makes me feel better.

[I'm Worth It]

Originally Posted by behappynow

Does anyone tend to avoid people or isolate themselves when they are feeling depressed? I feel like it's for the best, but I've read about bipolar disorder and it suggests to not do that. I feel really confused. I get really irritated and angry at what my close relatives/friends/boyfriend say and often become rude with them. I say things on impulse and regret them later. I don't know what to do.

I think it's normal to push people away for a little while when depressed. And, I agree with other posters, you shouldn't do it for very long. You need to force yourself to remain social.

But, usually, when we push people away, they sense it and come at you harder to pull you back in which in turn kinda smothers and irritates you. In my experience, when I start to feel this way, I will sit down with whomever is coming at me in the very beginning and explain that I need some time to deal with whatever is troubling me, give a brief explanation, explain that I love them and appreciate their concern and still want them in your life and that if they give you the time and space you need, you will be "back" sooner than later because if they keep at you, it will delay your processing. I also make sure that I at least reach out here and there rather than completely cut them out altogether while I'm processing. I used to go through these periods and never do anything and so it worried the people who cared about me. If these periods are longer than a week or two tops, though, it's a much bigger issue than you may realize.