Independence doesn’t mean isolation

I’ve always had the impression that being independent is just having the sense of freedom and living on your own and being your own person. It seemed pretty easy to me. Not anymore. Independence has become a convenient excuse for students and people in general to isolate themselves completely from their world. I’ve seen it firsthand and am here to tell you why this viewpoint, for a lack of a better word, sucks. 

When we think independence, the first thing that may come to mind is our country. Fighting for freedom and independence from Great Britain was one of the core bases of the purpose of this country and its values. But some people take this a little too far. It becomes somewhat of an isolation for people. People think that by separating themselves from the world around them, they are fully dependent only on themselves and have no need to worry about other people. This faulty way of thinking only leads to consequences and here is why. 

Number one: As a student, living alone becomes a financial nightmare. While this applies only to students and college graduates, it is an important life lesson for all people. Being able to manage financial bills on your own as a student fresh out of college is extremely tough. The low paying wages for newly graduated students is so far below the average household income in the country that they wouldn’t survive a single week without the help of family or friends. 

Number 2: mental health. This pertains to everyone as these days, the cases of depression, anxiety, and mental stress have sky rocketed to unimaginable heights, making society far more fragile and vulnerable. By vulnerable, I mean more susceptible to attractive options such as staying away from others. It is okay to be afraid to talk or to feel uncomfortable, but it’s been proven time and time again that silence is not the answer. Independence leads to isolation which leads to being unable to hold relationships with other people, even your own family. This becomes one of the important reasons for high number cases of depression in young adults. 

And finally Number 3: overall success. In the end, there are some people that fit the description for needing isolation. Some people who have spent years building relationships and have had enough, and those who have already financially set themselves up for a bright future. But what about their progress in life itself? Being around other people, while it may not be attractive for some people, is actually a great way to be creative in their own way. Doing school work with friends, contacting and showing love to family, visiting places around the world. It all boils down to you set yourself up for success. Being caught in the impression that being independent means cut everything off and start anew is not the whole truth. It’s how you carry yourself as a person, how you learn from your surroundings to make smart choices on your own, and how to be the best person you can be. 

Well thats all I really have to say so I hope you got some understanding of my point of view. And for the record, everyone has different opinions, this is just my interpretation based on what I have experienced.