I took a class that used "The Artist's Way" as a textbook. It was very helpful for me to find something I was passionate about & to learn about new things that I might want to incorporate into my life. It also suggested weekly "artist's dates" where you go do something you've never done before. I started small like going to a movie by myself. I write the "morning pages" every day like the book suggests. It helps clear a lot of junk out of my mind & I often find a subject that I want to write more about.

I then signed up for a writing class & was very brave to read my writing out loud for the class to comment on. I really enjoyed hearing everyone's writing. They were so creative & individual even when we were all assigned to write about the same topic.

I just started a knitting class. I'm a loner, too, so I force myself to take classes where I will at least be around people & can interact with them with a focus. I find that much easier than just trying to chat with someone without a subject in mind. I get self-conscious & flustered.

Another resource is WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). It is a class for people with mental illnesses & helps you to figure out what you need to do each day to keep yourself feeling well. It is offered by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or through your mental health assoc. IMR (Illness Management & Recovery) is another class I have taken. You have a specific goal to work on each week. One of my goals was to call someone on the phone from my support group. I have a bit of a phobia about phones (except when I'm manic), but I have since developed a relationship with two women from the group & it is a good feeling to have a couple friends I can turn to when I'm not feeling well.

Hope this helps.--Suzy