Reaching out is often the first instinct of those who are facing self-isolation in loved ones. It’s not uncommon for friends and family to try to make an extra effort to plan events, stop by to visit or otherwise inspire more social behavior. However, this is unlikely to make a difference.
Those who are self-isolating will see efforts to change their behavior as further evidence that no one understands what they are going through. They may believe that their differences are now more pronounced than ever and that there is no hope for feeling happy or normal again. Those who are deep in isolation will likely rebuke all invitations, choosing instead to fall further into this troublesome behavior pattern.