Do you think it's valid to isolate yourself, have a break for yourself?
Hi everyone! I really hope I don't come across as obnoxious and weird.
Do you guys think it's valid and healthy to tune out from the world for a while? No contact with people through phone (even turn it off, if it's the case?), social media or any other way. Just some time with yourself and no one else, only if extremely necessary (work or school related).
I've been feeling very anxious with social interactivity. The thought of talking with someone makes me insecure to the point of physical discomfort, like stomach problems, for example. Not only with common situations, like a college presentation or a work interview, but a simple conversation with a friend or a small talk in some line. I'm afraid I will bother the person, and I come across as unnatural and staged. I don't want to feel this anymore. So I want to isolate myself until my meds start working.
Is it valid? I'm so sorry if this is stupid, I'm shaking as I type this
@jjoycesantana
Hi there. Interesting question. Personally, I think 'yes, why not!' Not only that, it doesn't have to be a negative thing either: it doesn't have to be intended as (or interpreted by others as) blocking people out, not wanting people around, etc. What I've done before is go for two or three weeks in secluded places, but with some sort of goal: volunteering on a farm, maybe, or a Buddhist center or something like that. Okay, maybe you don't have that option right now - I don't know - but doing it this way can turn things into an adventure for you, and an opportunity to learn about different things.
@jjoycesantana
In fact, I'd go further and say that 'me time' is not only useful or good sometimes: it can be essential. Okay, maybe my examples in my other post were a bit ambitious. If so, 'me time' could involve, I don't know, switching off the phone for a couple of hours, locking the apartment door (after you've got pizza & chocolate, obvs.) and settling down on the sofa with a great movie you haven't seen for a long time. Hope that helps.
@DaithiW, hi there! I appeciate your input.
Pizza and chocolate does sound great. I just feel like I need some time with myself. I noticed that I spend most of my day trying to please people, and I forget about myself. It's coming to the point where I can feel myself exhaling when the social interaction is over. That's not ok.
@jjoycesantana
I think it's perfectly valid, or even a good idea to "isolate yourself." I see this more as self care and taking care of yourself before worrying about others! It's fine to take some time off for yourself if you're feeling stressed with social interactions <3
@butterflyPessimist, hi there! Thank you so much for answering. it's not that I don't want to talk to my loved ones aor anything like that. I just feel like I need myself more than I need other people right now. But it's not that I want to walk away on my family or friends.
Does that sound incredibly selfish or shallow?
@jjoycesantana
Thats not selfish or shallow at all! Sounds like self care and I think its a great idea :) Your health is always the most important <3
@jjoycesantana It's absolutely a valid feeling! Sometimes you need time to recharge your batteries and enjoy your own company.
Pro tip for not feeling guilty about it later: Tell people you're taking a break from the world. People won't feel offended that you haven't spoken to them, and they won't act weird around you once you come back from your isolation. Ever since I opened up about my depression and started being honest to people about the reasons why I may act distant at times, I've found life so much less stressful. Before I would make up little excuses for why I didn't spend time with people but now if I just tell them I've been feeling down and need some time to myself, they'll understand. :)
Pro tip no. 2: If you feel like you can't talk to the people around you about your problems, find some new people to spend time with who are willing to learn more about mental health/are already knowledgeable! :)
