Introversion vs Isolation

I've always been a huge introvert. I prefer to do things alone and I love living in my own head. I have a few friends irl including my room mate. We have deep, meaningful conversations, we care about eachother and offer solutions to eachother's problems Anyway, the last time I was in the hospital the doctor refused to release me because I was staying in my room and not socializing enough. I tried to explain to him that I'm naturally an introvert and the people there were all acting loud and abrasive-that's not something I enjoy being around regardless of my mental state. But he still seemed convinced that I was isolating and as long as I kept to myself I wasn't well enough to leave. So I basically had to spend my last few days there in the dayroom enduring the chaos all the while I just wanted to go back to my room so I could think.

I've heard the word "isolation" used a lot as a sign of depression and tbh it really pisses me off because not everyone who enjoys being alone is depressed. I get it if the person is normally an extrovert but not everyone is. I actually think I'm quite the minority-people are shocked when I tell them that I'm happiest walking alone, in the rain(I also don't care for the sun but that's another story). It's like they don't believe me or think I'm trying to cover up that I'm depressed. So tired of the one size fits all mentality.

So do you think there's a difference?

PS I do socialize online, however it's not the same as rl...I can check out any time I want, don't have to hear people being loud in my ear and no one in my personal space. You get it.

I would have been like you in the hospital. I'm an introvert so how could you really tell if I was isolating in depression? I like being alone. I agree with everything you've said. It was lots of fun growing up the only introvert in a family of five. My parents kept trying to force me to be an extrovert. Painful. Best wishes.

I'm also a natural introvert and tend to spend time alone while in the hospital too.

I don't think it's the same as isolation, which is what I've done in the past when severely depressed.

Same here. It is possible for me to enjoy certain social interactions, conversation and whatever, but I work best alone and I much prefer spending time "alone in my own head" rather than in places where others try to occupy it.

So I guess for me, since I do like going for walks (when it's not super hot) isolation would be not leaving the house at all...or maybe not going online at all since that's also something I usually do.

The doctor just made it seem like there was something wrong because I don't like chaos...but it's the state hospital what do you expect.

The other hospital, the one I feel safe in, they all know me so they know that I keep to myself and that I don't usually finish a meal (something else that doctor pointed out).

I just think it's unfair that I see people every day acting wild and loud, but no one probably calls them "manic". They just say they're young and having fun.

But me, I'm depressed and unhappy and missing out.

I'm sorry you were treated this way. I can relate, although unlike you, I'm not sure if I'm just an introvert or if I suffer from isolation.. hugs