Why do I isolate myself when I'm struggling, even though I know I need support?

Isolating when you're struggling is an incredibly common response that often feels protective in the moment but can make everything worse over time. When you're dealing with Major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorder, Psychological trauma, or other challenges, reaching out can feel impossible for several reasons. You might feel ashamed of your struggles and worry that others will judge you or see you differently. You might fear being a burden or believe that your problems are too much for others to handle. Sometimes isolation feels safer because it eliminates the risk of rejection or misunderstanding. If you don't reach out, you can't be disappointed by others' responses or lack thereof. There's also often a voice that tells you that you should be able to handle things on your own, that needing support is a sign of weakness, or that others have their own problems and don't need yours added to the mix. The cruel irony is that isolation often makes mental health struggles worse, creating a cycle where you feel worse, which makes you want to isolate more, which makes you feel even worse. Breaking this cycle usually requires taking small steps toward connection even when it feels difficult. This might mean sending a simple text to a friend, accepting an invitation even when you don't feel like it, or being honest with someone about how you're doing. Remember that most people want to help and that allowing others to support you can actually strengthen Interpersonal relationship rather than burden them.