Something I do is force myself to sign up for a class that interests me. Spending the money is going to make me more likely to go. I'm around people (latest one is knitting), but there is another focus so it's not as intimidating as someone looking right at you or in your eyes or trying to think of a subject to talk about.

You can always talk about the knitting, but the class (about 6 women gradually start talking about other subjects easily & you can join in without looking up from your work). I've also done computer classes (ddin't retain much--still a techno idiot), exercise classes, writing classes, scrapbooking, cooking, etc.

I've also taken classes at the local univ. (history, Eng.), but those are expensive so I couldn't continue with those.

If I'm feeling isolated & have nowhere to go, I'll take a book to the local coffee shop & read for an hour just to feel like I'm a part of the human race. It is HARD to make myself do these things, but I've learned that I am so proud of myself afterwards & feel so much better that I do them.

Also, support groups are good. I've made some friends there that I get together with or talk on the phone with. We even do volunteer work together at the women's jail. Getting outside yourself & helping others is also a good antidote to letting the depression rule you. I always dread going anywhere (why did I say I'd do this?), but I feel so much better afterwards.--Suzy