Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check in: Monday December 3rd 2018

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I kinda go between over-attachment and isolation. The deeper into depression I go, the more I isolate myself, even though I should be reaching out for others. And then end up hating ppl for not being there. Makes a lot of sense, yeah... The only way I've learned to challenge it is to just go against my instinct and reach out, no matter how difficult it is. Doesn't work all the time, sure, but it's better than nothing.

I isolate more just when I feel hurt or depressed in general. I get apathetic and figure since I'm already empty most of the time as it is, I might as well be alone in all my negativity. No one needs to share in my negativity. I get attached to people too so that makes it worse. I already feel they're getting ready to leave me. So I do it to protect others from my toxicity and to protect myself from pain. I don't really feel a need to not isolate. It works for me because, well when you already feel alone in your struggling, taking it to a physical level and blocking everyone out is easy.

@Kate

I isolate. It's worse during this time. My daughter is the only reason I go anywhere or do anything these days. I have no real life friends or people I socialize with.

@Kate

I have a big problem with isolating too. Guess it's something we all seem to struggle with here. I feel a lot of weight and responsibility for others and things that happen around me, but when i get overwhelmed or need support i pull away from others rather than run to them. I will feel the need to pull away when i think someone's getting too attached to me. I pull away when i get too attached to them. I feel uncomfortable when i find myself ever starting to form expectations or get too comfortable. I know exactly where it all comes from. But this is my biggest issue that constantly eludes me. I've been learning how to calm my anxiety and depression, but trust - i've been reconsidering the thought that i might be a hopeless case.

Just saying hi today 👋

- Do you feel like you isolate? Yes, at times. Social events can easily excite and drain me

- If so, do you find yourself isolating more at certain times of the year? Yes when it's cold, Valentine's day, sometimes other holiday

- How can we challenge our temptations to socially isolate? Little things small eventing one on one friend things

@Kate -

Do you feel like you isolate? Umm, yes. No question about that. Sometimes more than others, but yes.

If so, do you find yourself isolating more at certain times of the year? Not really. There are certain times of year when I am more concerned about being hospitalized, but that is not the same question. I do know though that when I question whether to go to church, that *that* is depression or anxiety (or whichever part of diagnoses) talking to me and NOT helpful or healthful. My church family can/would help me if I'd tell them how stuff really is....

How can we challenge our temptations to socially isolate? First, it is to figure out if it is a social thing or a something else. Okay sure, it might be isolating to your apartment, or your bedroom, but that does not necessarily equate to isolation from social things. For me, it depends on the reason I'm isolating at that time - and if/when I realize: "Oh, this is isolation behavior." For only then can I ask myself, what am I trying to get away from? or Who can I talk with about this? etc. ~ Signed, Platy

@Kate alost live in isolation.. go to some groups now.

@Kate

I find it hard to find appropriate places to get support.