Isolation is something I’ve come to understand more deeply over the years, mostly because I’ve experienced it personally — a lot of times. It’s that feeling of pulling away from everyone, not because you hate people, but because sometimes being alone just feels easier. At first, it feels like you’re giving yourself space to think, but with time, you start to realize it can become a habit, and not always a healthy one.
For me, isolation happens a lot when I’m mentally tired. There are days I wake up and I already feel drained, even before the day starts. I just want to be left alone — not because anyone offended me, but because I need time to process everything I’m feeling inside. It’s like my mind gets overcrowded with thoughts, worries, and self-doubt, and the only way I know to deal with it is just to stay by myself and think. Sometimes, that helps me clear my head, but other times, it just makes me overthink even more.
One of my hardest experiences with isolation came during a period when I was dealing with personal struggles I couldn’t even explain to anyone. There were nights I’d sit alone in my room, thinking about everything I was going through — family pressure, financial struggles, personal failures — and before I knew it, tears would just start rolling down my face. It wasn’t as if planned it, it just happened. In those moments, isolation felt like the only way to protect myself, because I didn’t think anyone would really understand how i was feeling.
Anger is another reason I pull away sometimes. When I’m angry, especially over things I can’t fully control, I prefer to be alone. I know how easy it is to take out that frustration on the wrong people — people who care about me and have nothing to do with why I’m upset. So i have learned that isolating for a while helps me calm down, think things through, and avoid saying hurtful things I’ll later regret.
Also, some people are just naturally like that — they enjoy being by themselves. There’s this guy that moved into my room last semester. Most times, you’d barely even know he was there. He could spend hours on his phone, just chilling in his own corner, laughing at whatever he was watching, and minding his business. At first, I used to wonder why he was always like that, but when we started talking more, I realized he’s actually a really cool guy — very fun to be around. Funny enough, he has friends too, but he still prefers to do things on his own, like going out to find food without dragging anyone along. I guess that’s just how he is — probably an introvert who’s used to his own company, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that.
The truth is, isolation can feel comforting at first, but too much of it can mess with your mind. When you stay alone for too long, you start to believe the negative things your mind tells you. You start convincing yourself that no one cares, or that you’re better off alone, even when that’s not true. What I’ve learned is that isolation isn’t always the enemy — sometimes it’s necessary — but it shouldn’t become a permanent thing. No matter how much I value my alone time, I’ve realized I still need people — even if it’s just one or two — who I trust would listen to what i have to say when life becomes really tough.
I know speaking up is hard, especially when you’ve gotten so used to silence. But the few times I’ve opened up, whether to a friend or even just writing it out, I’ve felt a bit lighter. It doesn’t really solve everything, but then it helps.
Thanks for reading.