Are you "isolating" and "withdrawing" or spending some time alone? Isolation vs. Solitude In my mind it’s important to distinguish between solitude which is imperative for good health and the maturation of the human spirit, and isolation which is a toxic disconnection from others. Balancing can be difficult sometimes. Update 2024: I posted this well before the pandemic. I've had a good taste of isolation now and it's another thing entirely! Isolation can kill the spirit and soul. We need one another. Solitude on the other hand nourishes it. (great video included)