What happens to you psychologically while alone?

[Ramare]

*snip*

I generally don't do that. I'm a loner by heart. Sure, I talk when no one is around to hear me, but that's part of what keeps me sane. I don't really talk to myself, but sometimes I sort of "narrate"; like if I'm writing a documentary or something. It really does help to comfort you in a survival situation. That's part of the reason Les doesn't go crazy alone, surviving, in some of the loneliest places on Earth, like the Arctic: He's making a film, so he's talking to the camera constantly. I'm always paranoid of others, and my environment. I usually carry a handgun, survival knife, or both, and always carry a small pocket knife. I don't trust people in the store, so if I was pretty much alone, and stranded; I'd likely not trust anyone.


Remember: It's when you give up, when you've lost the will to live...that you've got no chance to survive.

 

[Blueruler182]

I have depression. If I'm left alone, I'm left alone with my thoughts, and that can generally make me incredibly tired, and incredibly irritable.

Thankfully I've learned to hide that side away when people eventually show up. And, yeah, I'm paranoid too.

 

[The Seldom Seen Kid]

I only start to visit Crazy Corner when people ignore me, not when I voluntarily spend time alone. I start making these really crazy ideas.

 

[derelict]

I likes this thread.

Best as I can tell from being a general nerd and looking way too deeply into things I shouldn't care about - most people define themselves via their interpretation of others' reactions to them. Without adequate contact with said other people, it's quite easy to lose your sense of self. This is most easily explained with hidden cams and stuff - the sort of things that grossly infringe on privacy rights. Reason why those privacy rights exist is that many people do some messed up shit while all alone, things that the 'normal' world would condemn them or look badly on them for, in a bizarre and never-ending case of pot calling the kettle black.

Family friendly example: Back in high school, I crashed out on the couch with my girl, just sort of napping thru the evening with the TV on, I woke up because her mom had walked by, and she stopped leaning really close to the front door knob for awhile. When I asked her what she was doing, she replies "uh...cleaning the doorknobs with alcohol" in an uneasy tone.

That was pretty odd, but I have the good sense not to judge people differently for things they do when they think they're alone. May as well get it out of your system sometime, eh?

Back on topic though, the gist of it is people are a social animal, and requite social contact to define their own idea of their lives. Even if it's very little social contact - say a hermit, who would undeniably be batshit crazy, thrives on those who seek counsel from them, and it prevents them from going completely over the edge and like...making a fort out of the bones of the visitors they have cannibalized or something.

Do I get an A, professor?

 

[Woodsey]

Play games, eat, sleep, wank.

Would grow the facial hair if I could.

 

[MintyNinja]

I talk less. Normally I talk aloud when talking to myself, but if I'm alone then there's no noises to distract and I can just think within my own head. I also tend to walk more quietly. Not sure why, maybe trying to live up to the old nickname.

 

[Verp]

I like being alone. Even when I'm alone for extended periods of time, I am at the very lest fine.

For example, a bit over a year ago all my fellow students were having a work placement period I lived all by myself at my university's residence hall for a month -- it was great! I especially enjoyed it whenever it wasn't a business day, because then the employees wouldn't be there either and I'd be all alone in this large, old building in the middle of a forest, next to a big lake. Wandering around the dark, deserted building just didn't get old -- if I had owned an office chair, I probably would've used it to race from one end of the building to another.

I do need social contact every now and then, though. But, it doesn't really matter to me who it is that I'm with. I'm not the type that forms deep attachments to people -- I get the same kicks from having a chat with a drunk stranger in a bus than being with someone I know. Friends are convenient, sure, and definitely worth holding on to, but I don't usually get a crave to be with someone specific in order to fill my social contact quota.

 

[Johnny Ringo]

It depends on how alone I am. If I've been left to myself for a few days I'll set up my sound system in the bathroom and have a relaxing bath accomponied by The Downward Spiral. From there I mostly pace and listen to my music in the dark accomponied with an energy drink. If I don't sleep enough, rest assured , the following night's going to consist of burnt out self-loathing and regret. This is best accompanied by Fleet Foxes.

If I'm alone with my family (Isolating myself to my upstairs room) I tend feel more restrained and isolated than if I had the entire house to myself. I shut off the lights and listen to my MP3 player while I pace the floor for a few hours. Over the course of a few days my pacing becomes more frequent and is accomponied by humming. After a few weeks I stop speaking altogether and I become withdrawn. Come the first month mark depression sets in and most of my time is spent reflecting on past relationships and my own future. To off-set the consistent depression I tend to drink more energy drinks to grant a more light-hearted feel. As a short term-fix it works but I forget that it also means I don't sleep.

So yeah, going on the second month now. I figure as long as I don't start quoting Nietsczhe on the wall in hot cocoa mix the worst is about over.

 

[rokkolpo]

I sing and dance.

If the radio happens to be on downstairs (which it always is) I go wild!
It's pretty much the same as when I'm a bit buzzed by alcohol.

 

[Cazza]

Doesn't bother me at all. I do the normal things and don't notice when they come back. You know when someone has to leave for a few days or weeks? and say I will miss you. Never get that myself.

 

[Raykuza]

I make a lot of noise when I know that my house is empty. I have always feared that I would end up alone. I never spend more than a few hours alone, but when it gets to be a bit too long I start wishing I had some company. It's the same way when I'm with people for too long. I start wishing I could get some alone time.

 

[DR.reeve]

I develop different personalities to talk to... like ... say Internet Chris you're talking to him right now...<.<

hi Internet Chris

 

[Koroviev]

I like being by myself for the most part, although I did visit a friend yesterday. It was very nice, but I don't do it often.

 

[Au Naturel.]

The most I have ever been alone for is a day and a night. I'm the happiest guy around during that time! I don't know how long I would last being alone for a week or so, though.

 

[zoulza]

I guess I'm one of those weirdo people who prefers solitude to company. I actually just got home from looking after my friends' house and cats while they were on vacation. It was so nice and peaceful and quiet there, and now I'm back home with my annoying roommates and people everywhere and I miss it already.

 

[tomtom94]

I have a habit of becoming somewhat psychopathic and paranoid. It's strange.

 

[Paksenarrion]

I damn well better have something to distract me if I'm alone. Like Minecraft. Or Civilization. Or Minecraft: Civilization.

I don't want to spend any time in self-assessment. It only leads to thoughts of homicide or suicide.

Oh you can't be that bad. You make me laugh

Actually, I have a theory that our funniest comedians have the same problem. We like to fill our world with laughter because we can't stand the silence. We're always trying to entertain.

But, yeah...it's one of those things where a person feels they've failed themselves somehow.

Um...so, Minecraft: Civilization. I'd like to build a space elevator and from there build an orbital space station. After that, hopefully build lunar modules?

Maybe then you can move on to other block planets eight times the size of the earth and explore them too, with your wooden sword at your side?

Wow, I want Minecraft so bad right now.

Seriously! It's the cheapest form of artistic expression with comparatively minimal requirements: internet access. Fifty years from now, when the market is flooded with 3D realism and full body immersion, Minecraft will still be the People's game.

 

[Paksenarrion]

I damn well better have something to distract me if I'm alone. Like Minecraft. Or Civilization. Or Minecraft: Civilization.

I don't want to spend any time in self-assessment. It only leads to thoughts of homicide or suicide.

Oh you can't be that bad. You make me laugh

Actually, I have a theory that our funniest comedians have the same problem. We like to fill our world with laughter because we can't stand the silence. We're always trying to entertain.

But, yeah...it's one of those things where a person feels they've failed themselves somehow.

Um...so, Minecraft: Civilization. I'd like to build a space elevator and from there build an orbital space station. After that, hopefully build lunar modules?

I'm getting the feeling that you're the sort of person who will randomly yell "penis" in the middle of a completely silent church just to see what kind of a response you'll get.

OT: Nothing really. I was raised an only child with parents who were rarely ever around, so I got used to it.

Close! During one fateful mass, I stumbled on one of the words in a hymn, and in the midst of the singing, an unplanned "Ah, SHIT" could be heard just above the chorus.

I covered it up with Gregorian chanting.

 

[Naheal]

I damn well better have something to distract me if I'm alone. Like Minecraft. Or Civilization. Or Minecraft: Civilization.

I don't want to spend any time in self-assessment. It only leads to thoughts of homicide or suicide.

Oh you can't be that bad. You make me laugh

Actually, I have a theory that our funniest comedians have the same problem. We like to fill our world with laughter because we can't stand the silence. We're always trying to entertain.

But, yeah...it's one of those things where a person feels they've failed themselves somehow.

Um...so, Minecraft: Civilization. I'd like to build a space elevator and from there build an orbital space station. After that, hopefully build lunar modules?

I'm getting the feeling that you're the sort of person who will randomly yell "penis" in the middle of a completely silent church just to see what kind of a response you'll get.

OT: Nothing really. I was raised an only child with parents who were rarely ever around, so I got used to it.

Close! During one fateful mass, I stumbled on one of the words in a hymn, and in the midst of the singing, an unplanned "Ah, SHIT" could be heard just above the chorus.

I covered it up with Gregorian chanting.

That's awesome on so many levels. God really does have a sense of humor XD

 

[Saxm13]

I damn well better have something to distract me if I'm alone. Like Minecraft. Or Civilization. Or Minecraft: Civilization.

I don't want to spend any time in self-assessment. It only leads to thoughts of homicide or suicide.

Awwwww someone needs a hug! =P