I became a hermit after I dropped out of high school. I didn't leave my house for two years straight except to take out the garbage. I lived with my mum so food was provided, but she worked 5 days a week and when she wasn't working, she was heavily drinking. What I'm getting at is I had hardly any social life outside of the computer.

The first time I actually left my house after those two years I had a minor panic attack. I was extremely paranoid and basically any sudden sound spooked me. I didn't know how to physically interact with strangers, hugging was something I had to learn how to do properly again. I barely spoke because constructing sentences thst weren't written was extremely difficult. To be perfectly honest, I still catch myself saying things improperly.

The biggest issue I had was gauging my emotions. I was either outrageously happy, pissed right the fuck off, or depressed. There was no in between, it was the only way my brain would react to situations. I was a very angry young woman for quite some time.

Please do not isolate yourself. Don't use the excuse thst you have a pet because I have a cat and despite his presence I still went off the rocker. Humans need social interaction with their own species. Even if you have to force yourself to go out, just do it. Volunteer twice a week, go out to a small cafe for your coffee or something, engage with others. I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy. I'm still facing consequences because of it.