Bipolar depression often leads to self-isolation. Recognizing the signs helps me break the cycle.
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I have noticed a connection between my bipolar depression and isolation. One of the main problems I face during depressive episodes is withdrawing from life and isolating myself from everyone.
During my first episode, my mind was constantly bombarded with negative thoughts telling me I was not worthy of having friends and that I was a burden to my family.
This kind of thinking led me to withdraw from people, causing me to sink even further into depression.
My Signs of Self-Isolation During Bipolar Depression
- Unanswered or missed calls, messages, emails, and texts start adding up more than usual.
- I often hear phrases from others, such as “Haven’t heard from you in a while…”
- I have little to no social activities planned for the present or near future, and any plans that do get made are canceled.
- I spend excessive amounts of time with no contact.
- I feel unworthy of friends, family, or a significant other and like a burden to them.
Understanding the Depression–Isolation Cycle
This cycle is like being stuck where depressive symptoms make you want to pull away from friends, family, and things you usually enjoy. Then, spending too much time alone makes those depressive feelings even heavier. It’s like a loop that keeps going around and around, making it hard to find your way out.
RELATED: To My Friends: The Real Reason I Sometimes Isolate
But by learning more about this cycle, we can find small steps to break free from it, reconnect with others, and start feeling more like ourselves again.
Tips to End the Cycle of Depression and Isolation
- Recognize your personal signs of depression and isolation. Make those around you familiar with them, so they can also identify when you need help.
- Remember: depression lies. Don’t believe the negative thoughts that bombard your brain and make you think isolation is the best choice.
- Talk to others. Don’t ignore that phone call or those texts! Lack of interaction with others will only make things worse.
- Make plans. With depression, just the thought of being around people may seem exhausting, so keep it simple.
What helps you avoid isolation while experiencing bipolar depression?
UPDATED: Originally posted December 17, 2018