[crazy24/7]

Why is it so hard for me to put myself in public situations? I don't mean public speaking or anything I like that...I just mean going out to meet friends, etc. I have a mother's group I belong to and I have such a hard time making myself go, even though I enjoy myself once I get there and like all the members that attend. In fact, I've made some good friends there. I feel like I want to isolate myself...stay in a little cocoon. I know that isolation is deadly for me and my depression, so why is it so hard for me to get out? I feel the same way about meeting friends for dinner; most every social event except church. That I don't have a problem with.
I would think I would look forward to getting out. Perhaps it's just a change in my routine that I fear. But what if my "routine" becomes unhealthy? How do I overcome this inertia and fulfill my social obligations without dread?

[SophiaG]

Its a symptom of your depression. Are you on any meds?

[Mr insecurity]

Don't give up on your womens group. The longer you have possitive support with friends the easier it will get. It sounds like you've had a lot of bad experiences in the past. I belong to a seniors social group and they are not near as judgemental as younger people. Although I'm not that old, I feel a lot of support from them. If you have the time, you should find an excercise group that meets the same time about three times a week. It's easier to stick with it if it's a regular part of your schedule. You can look at your local community centers, or join a health club group. You can also look on Meetup.com for groups in your area. Meetup.com also has a lot of other groups that you might enjoy. The right meds can help make it easier but stick with drugs that have a prooven track record and I don't believe you should ever be on more than two drugs for the same problem. Every person responds a little different to each drug. You may have to switch drugs a couple of times to get the one that's right for you. Make the prescriber explain exactly why they think that drug might be good for YOU. I know it's tough to force yourself to get out there when your down but once I found the right groups, it really helped me. Anti-depressants won't keep you happy all the time but they sure can help to take away the lows that have no good reason.Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Good luck.

[crazy24/7]

Originally Posted by SophiaG

Its a symptom of your depression. Are you on any meds?

Yes. An antidepressant and atypical antipsychotic. I am considering now if I am shy or uncomfortable socially rather than depressed. I think my baseline is a little depressed...I have bipolar 2. It is hard to admit that I might be just shy, at my age of 51, you would think I was over that. During my hypomanic periods, I am NOT shy...just the opposite. Perhaps this is just my baseline, after all.

[SophiaG]

Are you sure your meds are working?