How can I tell if I'm depressed or happy about this and what are the signs I should look for?

[AloneIsGoodOrIsIt]

I have had a very stressful period at word and haven't had a holiday for along time.

I've noticed that I have become more and more inclined to spend time on my own. It's when I'm happiest really. I'm not a shy person at all and don't find being in groups intimidating but I feel like I dislike almost everyone or find them irrititating.

I've read that isolating yourself can be a sign of stress or depression.

So that's my question - how do I tell if this is just me and I'm having a phase of prefering to be alone which is making me happy OR if I'm actually stressed/depressed and this is a symptom of it?

You are stressed, and you recharge by taking time alone - in my book that isn't depression, that is introversion.

Being an introvert isn't the same as being shy. I'm introverted too - much to the surprise of people who know me, as I love a night out, love meeting friends, have a busy social life, and enjoy being the centre of attention sometimes.

But then I get to a point where I've had enough of people, and I need to be alone - it's that that makes an introvert. Extroverts recharge by being around other people. Neither is 'better' or 'worse', just different.

Hope that helps!

Thanks @ChristmasFluff - actually that does help - I was thinking it was one or the other but saying that it's a form of isolation to recharge makes sense.

I had never thought about that, but sometimes I also like to shut myself away for a bit. It's confusing for me because essentially I'm quite lonely at times. However, being too busy with stuff gets me down. Thanks for explaining, ChristmasFluff.

I have a full busy work life but am on a 4 day week with mondays off. Occasionally I get people who want to be my day off buddy, offering to do things together. I'm close to retirement and have a few retired acquaintances. That day off is how I stay sane, recharge before the work week. It isn't often spent in an ebullient mid, but it is pleasant and I'm not depressed.

How funny! I never realised this was a thing - to take time alone to recharge. I'm definitely in that place.

You might like this Ted Talk about introverts :)

Interesting .. I too need to be alone when stressed and hadn't realised this is a thing.