Depression can take hold of your life and isolate you from everyone you are close with, according to the Mayo Clinic. When you are depressed, your mind will challenge your self-esteem and confidence. As you emerge from an episode of depression, you may have the feeling that you are no longer capable of doing the things you used to and interacting with those you were close to. To keep yourself free of depression symptoms, take the steps necessary to begin to socializing again.
Step 1
Challenge your negative thoughts. Negative thought patterns associated with your depression can keep your progress at bay, putting a negative spin on your abilities in the future, according to HelpGuide.org. Continue to challenge your negative self-talk even after you have come out of your depressive episode. Tell yourself you are capable of interacting with others. Remind yourself how you used to engage with other people. Replace your negative thoughts about your inability to socialize with thoughts about how people have said they enjoy your company and being around you.
Step 2
Start small. Begin by socializing with those you are close with. Practice building your confidence with the people who are most supportive in your life. Begin by calling them on the phone and talking to them for a short period of time. Invite them to spend time with you on a one-on-one basis. Go out to eat or attend an event. Ask them how they feel about socializing. You may find that they have some of the same concerns as you.
Step 3
Interact with others at a group event. Attend a social event either at a church or in the community. Plan to talk with at least five people. Challenge yourself to find someone you are interested in getting to know better. Get their contact information so you can see them in the future. Reflect on the event after it takes place. Ask yourself if you met your goals, and if you didn’t, determine if you had a valid reason for diverting from the goals. As you reflect think about the positive things that occurred, the things you found enjoyable. Avoid dismissing any good interactions or attributing them to something else. Attribute the positive interactions and enjoyable time to your abilities.
Step 4
Join a sports team. Find a sport that you enjoy, such as softball, tennis, golf or football. Sign up for a recreational league. Have a friend sign up, too, if you don’t think you will know many people. Attend the games and the practices. Enjoy the sport. Do not focus on how well you play. Instead, spend your time talking and laughing with your teammates. Join your teammates when they hang out after the game.
Step 5
Avoid spending time thinking about socializing. If you spend too much of your time thinking about how you are going to interact and what might happen, you may start thinking about only the negative outcomes. This could keep you from socializing, and you will be unable to build your confidence. Stop yourself when you begin to plan out conversations. Do not over-plan the interaction. Allow for down time when you socialize with others.
