I isolate a lot and I know it isn't good for me. People really freak me out though.

Sometimes I withdraw and other times I want to be around others. So yes, it's 50/50 for me. As a musician I like to play and perform, but other times I'm happy with my guitar alone writing songs. I prefer to be with my partner (wife) and close family the majority of the time.

I isolate as well.. I have to really push myself so much of the time.. ugh.. I often feel on the out skirts of life and wonder if I will ever be able to actually engage..being alone is when Im most comfortable and I wish that weren't true

I tend to isolate also. Sometimes it's due to my mood and others is just because I don't have a big circle of friends and due to me being on ssdi I don't have much to talk about when I am around people. That's why i like this website. It is perfect for people like us. When I am Hypo I crave being around people..but they can't barely stand me then LOL. Sometimes there's just no winning.. Be Well friends__Bonzai

I'm also 50/50 isolator

most of the time when I'm out I like it. if I get nervous I take an anxiety
pill so I don't run away lol

Yes. I am an isolator, but I really also desire a sense of belonging. I am just a walking contradiction. LOL

Yup. I tend to isolate, but I can't stand being alone when I'm in a state. I feel so much better just being in the same room as someone else, but sometimes I can get really anxious around others too. I constantly find myself worried about how long it's been since i said something. Then I feel I need to strike up some kind of conversation but when I think about it, I start drawing a blank as to what to say.

I used to always say I was going to grow up and be a recluse. Now I am a recluse and I hate it. I can't wait for my family to get home at nice. I think I am probably co dependent on them by now. Being a recluse isn't cut up to be what I thought it would be...

Yeah, I feel both at the same time. Not sure what to do about it.

I isolate when depressed, when manic it depends on the "type" of manic, if I'm social/blowing money then I want to be around people, if I can't control my brain I isolate. Oh did I mention I isolate? :]

at age 45 I'm paying for a lifetime of isolation. I have very few friends in real life, although one friend thinks I have lots. I used to isolate a lot and that cost me friendships. I regret it now but there isn't a lot I can do.

At least some people maintained their friendship with me. I like to go out and socialize more now. Even though I struggle to maintain my end of the conversation.

I isolate a lot too, i would like to be around people, but then I feel uncomfortable when I am

I like to be alone.. being with people doesn't freak me out though - I am an extrovert by nature & have never had issues with public speaking or acting, my specialty used to be musical theatre..

When I am depressed, like now, I keep very much to myself. I don't really even socialize with my family much. I come home from work and lie down on the couch and sleep or just lie around doing nothing. At work, I stay away from everyone as much as I can......just don't feel like being around anyone.

When I'm stable, I'm okay at work around my co-workers, but usually don't ever feel like going out socially anymore.

Seems a lot of people are finding themselves isolated here, having to resort to the internet for virtual human contact.....ideal for those who prefer to be alone, but still like the odd bit of contact.

I'm sure trust is an issue for many.....plus there's the vulnerabilities that come with having the emotional and mental instability.

Being alone can be a major trigger for me......yet it takes a lot for me to let people in and befriend them, or feel good about doing that. I've had social anxiety before now, but overcame that, and when I'm "well" I have no issue being out around with people. I just struggle to enjoy the company of others and take an interest in others. I feel I may exhibit multiple personalities.....which makes for a bit of an identity crisis.

Anyway, thanks for the posts so far.......helps to see what people have to say.