The following is more from a need to vent than from wanting to open a discussion:

Well,I've been isolating for two weeks.

Have HAD to go to the doctor's to pick up a script. Social distancing was strictly observed. HAD to go food shopping. I'm hoping for deliveries this week. HAD to go to the chemist to pick up meds.

Now, a tank of juice usually lasts me from 4 to 6 weeks. So, it's obvious I don't get out much. Even with total isolation for the virus I'm not all that more isolated than usual. Then why does it feel so awful?

The only thing I've been able to think of is this is a loss of independence and mobility. Much like I imagine being in an aged care facility will be like--and I would truly rather die than go into one of those places. I watched each of my parents die in care and it was awful.

If you live with as few as one other person, you may be isolated but you are not alone.

If you live alone: I have lived alone for 25 years. I won't bore you with my rationalisations.

For me , solitude is NOT the same thing as loneliness .Each is a state of mind based on one's perception of the now. I'm long accustomed to solitude, but I cant say truthfully that I have seldom been lonely, and seldom for long. In essence I have always chosen not to be lonely.(once I recognised that was what I was feeling )

It's a sad fact of life that within our culture, few people are able to accurately identify their feelings at any given moment. NO? Try it. .Actually write down what you are feeling in detail .

Finally, there are far worse things in life than being lonely--and THAT is from first hand experience..