Hello OliverB: I'm sorry I don't really have any advice to offer with regard to this. I live a pretty-much solitary lifestyle & I don't tell anyone about my MI issues. Kudos to you for wanting to push yourself out of your isolation though.

About the only thing I can say, with regard to telling friends about MI issues, is that it's always a toss-up. They may be supportive, they may seem supportive at first but then become distant, or they may not understand at all. And I doubt it really makes much difference when you tell them or how. It's just one of those things that you have to do if-&-when you feel comfortable doing so... & then see what happens.

Of course, as I presume you're aware, you're under no obligation to tell them anything. Only disclose as much, or as little, as you feel comfortable doing, when you feel comfortable doing it. At least these are my thoughts with regard to your post. I wish you all the best with your efforts.