I think this is a good step. Definitely post on message boards because there are many good people on these at all times.

I have had remarkably lonely points in my life when I went through bad depression. I pushed away countless individuals. Remember that part of the way you feel is how you view the world because of your depression. Your mind is (for the most part) convincing you that there is no one, when there is indeed many. There are a lot of people out there that can relate. Heck, I can, so you can start here.

Take things slow and take care of yourself. Work slowly to develop friendships with others. If you have family, you always will have them. Use them as a launching point to develop friendships with others. If you don't have a therapist, try and initiate a time to see one.