I know that everybody experiences and reacts to depression differently, so this question probably answers itself, but I wanted to inquire of depression sufferers anyway...

When depressed, do you seek out or take advantage of distractions to make yourself feel better or forget how lousy you feel (even if only temporarily)?

I ask because a loved one of mine seems to be doing this in the midst of what has become a 10-month episode. It seems counterintuitive to the idea of depression, in which isolation and avoidance are the stereotype. Yet the things she is doing and the people she is spending time with are completely out of the norm for her, and in some cases the opposite of her tastes. Almost like an identity crisis. Meanwhile, she has simultaneously distanced herself from the couple people in her life she was closest with and most trusting of (one of which being me, sadly). But outwardly, she must seem completely normal and happy to those who wouldn't know much better... perhaps that's the point.

I know I'm all over the place here, I apologize. Needless to say this causes me much pain and confusion. Any insight or similar experiences would be appreciated.

Thank you.