Difference Between Isolation And Solitude

We’ve all been alone at some point in our lives, whether physically, mentally, and/or spiritually. Being alone evokes different emotions for different people at different times. This can be attributed to both personality differences and the two different states of being alone; isolation and solitude. Most people don’t recognize that isolation and solitude are two different things, even though their differences are substantial and worth noting. Rather than giving you a dictionary definition of each, I’d rather show you how different these two states of being are. So, use your imagination and picture this: There’s a small, dark room, where the walls press in on your shrunken form curled in the corner. Your thoughts and the crushing darkness paralyze you. No windows, no …show more content…
But it’s important to notice the distinction between the two, which is often overlooked. Isolation and solitude are lumped together, considered synonyms by even Webster’s Dictionary, when they actually have very little in common. Solitude is time spent alone by choice, where you can reflect, relax, and recharge. You’re taking a break from the outside world, but are free to rejoin when you feel ready. Isolation is time spent alone, not always by choice, and can be far more difficult to escape from. Rather than relaxing and recharging, you dwell on thoughts you really shouldn’t dwell on, and easily slip into the vice-like grip of loneliness. Noticing the difference for yourself goes a long way, so I recommend taking a quick inventory the next time you’re by yourself. I find it pretty interesting to notice the circumstances in which I feel isolated and compare them to those in which I experience solitude. Doing so has helped me become more aware of my mental health on a day-to-day basis, and I strongly believe there’s something to be gained from noticing the difference between solitude and