How do you open up?

How do you open up to other people when your taught for so long to shell up and deal? Now trust has been compromised with everyone in my life so people outside of my life trust is such a hard thing to over come. I cant do this alone i need someone there but how do you find that someone when your terrified.

I have the same problem, dont open up easily regarding feelings. I have found if you have one person, who you know wont judge or run away for opening up towards to. Then keep them close. I have started opening op to my girlfriend, and the stuff i told her are deep and dark, and she kept asking for more, made such a good impression on me. I havent had a depression relapse since. If you ever need a annon. person to speak to. i think everybody on here, including myself will always be there to listen. Perfect unbiased reaction.

Take your time, open up little by little, share only as much as you're comfortable sharing, and wait for the next opportunity. It's hard finding a person you feel comfortable about opening up.

I opened up to only a few people before, after I tell them all my weakness and problems, they usually stop talking to me or ignore me for whatever reason, it hurts. I end up feeling like I shared so much with them, only for them to ignore me and move on.

I did it by going into 12 step support groups where the other people are suffering too and will listen to you like caring friends. The groups that I attended did not allow "cross talk" (working on some other member's issues during the meeting) so it is pretty safe from criticism and and attacks. What I found in sharing meetings is that, even if I don't have the courage to say something, another person will be somehow indirectly telling my story as they tell theirs so it was both educational and relieving to see that I am not the only person with this particular problem. I also found that meetings are way more beneficial than one on one therapy where the therapist is either IGNORANT or ABUSIVE. There is enormous encouragement and empathy in a sharing meeting.
jim