I too have been making myself accept invitations - even if I only stay a few minutes! I think I feel a bit better as result. When I go to my son's house, he is helpful to say, do you want to leave because you have things to do or because you want to sleep or what? I think this (at his house) helps me keep my reasons for wanting to go in check. The more people the less I want to participate, so I am working on this as well. I don't drink, so picking up a drink isn't an option, but staying home and sleeping is my favorite activity.
I was very hesistant to start attending a peer support group.Conseqence of not going, guilt in not taking steps to help my self, still would feel alone in my depression, and bad about my situation. Forced myself to go. Felt better about myself because at least I was doing something to get better. Didn't feel as alone any more after talking to people that had been thru similar situations. Felt better about where I was when I realized how lucky I was to get all the love and support I was getting from my family.
Changing your behaviour is NOT easy. Much of our behaviour is learned and over the years as we change, grow and develop breaking these habits can be tougher than we expected. Actions and behaviours are embedded in context for example, if you are shy and you step into a room full of people it is probably enough to make you feel uncomfortable. Your reaction to certain situations or people may lead you to wanting a drink. To change this behaviour it’s important to learn what stimulates your actions (antecedents), and the affects of your behaviour (consequences). Over the course of this week brainstorm and share with us some of your antecedents and consequences.