[middlepath]

I hate when the lonely feelings come. I am going through them now. Its like I know there is a functional world out there and I am living on it's fringes but not a participant. I don't understand how to be part of usual interactions...yet i deeply need and want to have close friends. ugh. depressive rough patch. How do you deal with it when the loneliness arrives in a depressive package? For me, that is the worst part of the depression.

[Homeira]

I try to distract myself in some way when I start to feel that way. TV, youtube, etc. But sometimes I don`t have the energy to do even that, or I am unable to free myself from the loneliness. PC has helped me enormously with combating loneliness. I mean, it`s not like we develop close friendships, as it is anonymous etc., but it is such a supportive community, and it certainly gives me some sort of consolation to know that others go through the same as me.
And it helps me that I am a bit of a loner anyway, and that is ok.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I try to convince myself Im not lonely by isolating myself. Then its my choice.

[Aardwolf]

When the proverbial depressive cricket bat smacks you in the face - I go for a walk. I've always found dog walkers to be a fairly friendly bunch - as long as the local scrotes aren't trying to do you over for a few quid, or burn the corner shop down..

Seriously - I find getting out of my home, and somewhere else does help. Or just jump on PC and sit in chat - just knowing there are other people with problems like me, but seeing them interacting helps.

So people really do say "scrotes?" One of my favorite suspense writers uses that term sometimes. I had never heard it before.

[Aardwolf]

Aye, well, usually its shouted in a very loud manner ! ( I shall stop digressing now :P )

I try to get out of my house. Do anything in public. Force myself. Go to a coffee shop with a paper. Sit on a bench in the park. Go see a show. Go for a walk.

It is hard. I am alone too.

[Homeira]

Actually, if it gets too bad, I turn on talkradio just to hear some human voices when I am feeling lonely. And then there is a bit of music as well that sometimes helps to lift my spirits. However silly it sounds, it does help me a bit.

[Aardwolf]

Music - I would agree with that. But i would caution what you listen to, sometimes it can harm more than help.

Hope you're feeling better

[Row Jimmy]

I just try to be proud of who I am not the downside......my condition has alienated me from a lot of people over the years but it is what it is an I am moving on with no excuses.

I also work at hobbies I enjoy and get al lot out of creating things.

[tentoedsloth]

Ah, my real brothers and sisters!

I frequently get into a spell of almost panic--this isn't a normal life; this isn't the way people are supposed to live; what happened? and so on.

Having been recently diagnosed as bipolar, I'm working on the acceptance part right now. We didn't do this; it happened.

Next step, for me: After a rest from disliking myself,
1. Seeing if there's anything I can do about being so alone, and
2. At the same time, looking for things to like about my situation, as it is, without anyone close. Enjoying anything about it that can be enjoyed.

Um, well, Homeira's answer. (That'll save some typing! )

Also, if I'm able to bury myself in a project. Ever so rarely, I'll go out, but usually, being out makes me feel even worse, because seeing people with friends and having a fun time just really puts it in my face and makes me feel like more of a freak. I'm glad for them, but at the same time, kind of "hate" them for it, and I don't want to think I'd be so petty as to be jealous, but really, that's what it is, isn't it?

So selectiveness is key. Going to someplace like a garden? Ok. Restaurants? Not a chance in hell.

One "upside" (which probably most of us get from this) of knowing this feeling all too well, is a keen sense of empathy. If I find myself in a social situation, my radar quickly picks up on outer others, and despite being very shy (outside of hypomania), will mellowly gravitate towards and try to make them feel less uncomfortable, even if it is just our little alliance of the uncomfortable outsiders(!)

^ This. I am extroverted and I always befriend introverts. Because even though I am outgoing, I am always alone.