I have family visiting from another country and they want to see me. I want to go, but I'm having such a hard time leaving the house lately. Not going would be extremely rude, because I haven't seen them in years.

The trouble is, it's difficult talking on the phone or even texting anyone back lately, which irritates people. Sometimes I just can't talk, not even by text. Seeing people in person just reminds me just how difficult it is to interact with people. It's like I've forgotten how to be a human being. I've been isolating for the past few months, really, which is why several of my family members have been concerned. I don't want an inquisition, which I know that I'll get. I don't want to talk about depression and anxiety because they aren't the most understanding bunch regarding that stuff. So in their eyes there's no "reason" for me to be acting this way.

I also want to say, that I realize how lucky I am to have a family that loves me. I am in no way saying that I don't want them around, nor do I want to seem ungrateful. But they seem to lack boundaries. When I tell them to back off that makes it worse, so I usually end up giving in and going to see them even when I don't want to. Sometimes it does help my mood to see them, but for a while now, it just brings me down. I feel guilty but I don't know how to explain without telling them about my issues.

Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with family and friends in the midst of a depressive episode?