Allein unterwegs: Wann Me-Time guttut – und wann Rückzug beginnt

Allein unterwegs: When is Me-Time beneficial and when does withdrawal begin

Eating alone in a café is natural for some, while others avoid it at all costs. Concern over being perceived as lonely or unwanted by others may play a role. Silke Naab, Chief Physician at the Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy Center of Schön Klinik Roseneck, explains that taking time alone for a simple activity can be very positive.

It allows individuals to sort through their own thoughts and engage in tasks they find personally interesting. Planning activities and doing something good for oneself strengthens the feeling of being able to handle things on one's own. Naab advises those who want to engage in solo activities to consider what they want to try and what makes them feel comfortable.

Small ventures can already help one feel self-efficacy. If an activity, such as going to a restaurant alone, doesn't feel right, that's not a failure. It serves as an important signal to assess if the step was too large and to find a more suitable alternative for the next time. However, being alone all the time can indicate a shift towards social withdrawal.

While humans are social beings, Naab emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with friends and feeling part of a community. It should not result in an imbalance. The key is to consciously choose to spend time alone while still having social contacts. In some cases, excessive solitude can become problematic. Naab notes that when people only engage in activities alone, one should question if it's a form of social withdrawal.

Warning signs include a depressed mood, feeling like a burden to others, lack of enthusiasm or lack of motivation. Social withdrawal can sometimes be a symptom of a mental illness like depression or social anxiety. Professional help is crucial in such situations. A therapist can help gradually reintroduce these activities in a non-threatening way, Naab explains.

But without pressure. Small activities that feel good for the person are advisable. Dr. Naab is a specialist in psychotherapeutic medicine and child and adolescent psychiatry at the Schön Klinik Roseneck. Her treatment spectrum includes conditions such as depression, as well as anxiety and panic disorders.