I have never felt more connected to people than when I was taking a public speaking course my last semester in school.

Got to parties. Volunteer. Go back to school. Invite people to your house and have dinner with them and really talk to them. Join a social club (Eagles, Moose, Elks, American Legion, VFW).

I'm thinking about joining a local Toastmasters group. Check into it. They have a web site. It's a organization where you can go to develop your public speaking and leadership skills. I think there is a fee, but it is very reasonable if I recall correctly.

unfortunately it will also be introducing my to the cook county court system.

but i do feel very cut off as my family has disintegrated, something i never thought would happen.

i know i am isolating myself, tho, and that is a very common coping mechanism for anyone w depression. sometimes dealing w people is just not worth it.
do you have a pet? i would not be here if it werent for my dogs.

I had gotten to the point where when I woke up I was so thoroughly disappointed I was still here and anything I tried to do to change that sent me two steps back. She gave me no answer.

I tried to get back into my genealogy something I really enjoyed off line in the 80's and online in the 90's but things have changed so much. People either expect you to give them all the answers and don't even remember to say thanks or they are afraid to share anything with anybody for any reason. What used to be fairly easy online is now a now and again thing. Not to mention, lying is a pandemic.

A lot of us in the SMW thread took a step back after the last election and started to work locally with like minded people. Depends on where you live what you can do. Stopped trying to getting our fellow Americans to work in their best interest as it was obvious it was hopeless with the capitulation of the Democrats (and DU).

Sometimes you just have to will yourself to move into a different circle, do something totally different or even move somewhere you can find a circle or something that else.

Pets are great. I inherited my Dad's cat who was abused by her passive aggressive cat mother she lived with for her first 6 years. She is depressed and kind of rigid like me. We get along great and she and I are happier together.

Sounds like you are on the brink of an opportunity. Good luck.

That should do it .

You can go get information, learn the "spottings" and I swear if you work the program you will feel much better.

The most important spotting for me is, "Endorse yourself for every part act"

Endorse yourself for getting out of bed.

Endorse yourself for being group minded and posting this thread.

Endorse your self for putting up a nice picture of us all hugging.

Endorse for brushing teeth, taking a shower, if you ate a healthy meal, If you cooks a meal.

Just do this for one day and then come back and tell us how it worked for you.

I attended many years ago when my children were little and I was at times overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting, etc.

Recovery teaches the basic principles of self-care, which many of us hadn't needed when growing up - when all was provided for us, and the rest was easy.

Will delve into it

I've found myself staying in bed all day many days since I haven't been leaving the house to go to work.