Hi! Yes, 'self-isolation' is a big part of Depression. People try to be helpful by inviting me out, but they don't understand.
As Ive tried to explain to them: I WANT to get out, I know I NEED to get out, but there is an invisible barrier PREVENTING me from getting out.
Sometimes I want to get out so badly I can't bear it. That is usually when a good cry starts.
I think Self-Isolation goes hand in hand with the inability to do things we love. For example, I have been an avid hiker, climber, and kayaker. There was a time I would get out my kayak 3-4 times per week. I only got out 2 times this summer and it was a fight to do so.
If you read my earlier post, my psychiatrist addressed my serious Depression with some pretty serious means. It really quite helped. I continue to have Depression symptoms but they are no longer as extreme and occure for short periods of time (I had been seriously depressed to the point I was not longer caring for myself). Today I can at least function - but self-isolation remains to badger me.
For the last year I have belonged to a Mood Disorder support group. It was hard to get myself up and going but today I am glad I did. I actually look forward to it as my only time I get out and it has become my only social event of the week. I don't know what I would do without my group and the other members.
Good luck and take baby steps. I began with walking the block around my building. Today I have my group and I have the ability to go to my group or meet some of the members for coffee. Even answering the phone has become easier.
Robin
