Many people who have bipolar disorder or other mental health disorders tend to struggle with isolation. My husband and family think that I struggle with isolation. Technically, they may be right, but I would rather be by myself than with others. Being social, whether with friends or family, is almost always a challenge. I’m always afraid to say the wrong thing, and I’m fearful of people or things I don’t know. I’m afraid of a lot of things.
I prefer isolation because it’s easier for me to handle. I have fewer panic/anxiety attacks when I stay home. I don’t get bored; I tend to keep myself company. I find things to do during the day to keep myself busy. Many people get bored and struggle when they have to stay home by themselves. I know that my family is just trying to help me by getting me out of the house. Just because some people struggle to stay home alone, doesn’t mean I struggle as well. It’s healthy and important get out sometimes, but I also know my own boundaries. For me, sometimes it’s better for me to stay home. I guess I just have to find a happy medium, some sort of balance between isolation and socialization.
My Side of the Pole 
I am the exact same way. And I love that you said “Just because some people struggle to stay home alone, doesn’t mean I struggle as well.” I feel the same way – I like being by myself. Do I take it to the extreme and isolate myself completely? Yes, and I need to work on that. But I’ll never be a social person that loves doing things with others, and honestly, I don’t really want that for myself either. My time alone gives me time and inspiration to write and peace from panic attacks.
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Being along also gives me peace from panic attacks. I know I need to get out on occasion. I suppose I just need to find some middle ground between going out and isolation. I used to be a very social person, but that was before the PTSD. I kind of miss that social person. I miss how I could do things so easily with anxiety or panic.
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You need to be who you are and not who others want you to be. As long as it isn’t unhealthy, and only you and your doc can assess that – just be who you are and don’t worry about whatever others want you to be.
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Great advice! I’m working on it, but it’s not so easy to do. I know I need to do more than I want to do, otherwise I would never leave the house. I also know that I don’t need to do everything people ask me to do. Finding middle ground is difficult. I’m trying to be who I am; I trying to find out who I am.
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