I have schizoid personality disoder and have been a loner in the past. At the moment, I do have groups of people i hang around with but would not consider them 'friends' as I do not care for them and half of them do not know my real name or age.
Anyway, I have the desire to go back into isolation which I am already starting to do (yay) but I know isolation often makes schizophrenia (which i am diagnosed with) worse. I know it will be slightly self-destructive to do this, but i cannot stand being around people anymore.
I don't really know why i posted this cause i don't really want an answer but does anyone know how destructive isolation is for a schizophrenic?

[RACEKA]

No, I'm not schitz, I've been abused and have my own problems, I don,t like to be around people either. I'm around them at work and that's enough for me. My T says I need to get out of my fishbowl, but I like it. I like not being bothered by anyone. Nobody to tell me what to do or not to do. My T also says that isolation will kill you. Whatever!

Im not sure how destructive isolation can be, but I dont think it can be that harmful as long as you talk to people once in a while. I know what you are talking about by wanting to be alone. I would rather be by myself all the time right now, but when I do that I get mad at myself because I feel like I should be out talking to people, which is pointless for me because I have trouble talking on the same level as other people. In my experience its not that destructive to be isolated for short amounts of time, but I think long term isolation is bad for anybody.

[curiousone]

I am schizophrenic and I do know how destructive iscolation can be. I know how bad it can be with this illness becuase it throws your whole life out of balance. I think you should try to reach out others. Go see if there is any support groups, counselling around your area for schizophrenia. I go to the hospital every tues and thurs for a physcho educational rehab group. Usually we just do an intake in the beginning hour where people talk about where they're at with whatever illness they have and then we do a game or something like that in the second hour. I can say even though I am very introverted, shy, and socially anxious around others it kind of helped me to get out of the house and to be around others who are going throught mental illness so much that I now look forward to going.

There are also distress centers that you can call just to chat about whatever you want to discuss. I've done it. They're there to listen. It helps to get things out. Try not to iscolate yourself too much. Even if you talk it out on here so you will feel less alone :P. Take care and know that we're here to listen too

[Labyssum]

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia two years ago. At the beginning I really isolated, but as I got better and on good meds, I have made some friends and go to groups at the hospital.

[john4]

After my sexual assault 4 yrs. ago, I have self-imposed, deliberate, isolation, at home, literally 24/7. I'm happy in my own company, though I could get out - I simply don't want to. I'm scared (to go out). I'm scared of others. Don't trust them, but am the very personificatin of diplomacy when I have to be with others.

[spiritual_emergency]

<blockquote>
I don't know if the following will be of interest to you John, but you're welcome to read it and make up your own mind.

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>

The fact that some two-thirds of people diagnosed as schizophrenic have suffered physical or sexual abuse is shown to be a major, if not the major, cause of the illness. Proving the connection between the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia, Read shows that many schizophrenic symptoms are directly caused by trauma.

Source: Dr. John Read

See also: Models of Madness


</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

[john4]

re: spiritual emergency :
why thank you so much, will get to read it now. You've done me such a favour. Bless you and have a good day.

[crazybones]

you know i am not so sure if isolation is bad or good i mean i go off and on between hiding which i will do for the next yrs and 8 mnths it will take all my strength to make it but i have to so i can succeed with future goals i do not know if any body has a true answer to any of this but to all of you who have spoken on this good luck to you all