How to Maintain a Social Life While Depressed

Maintaining a social life while you are depressed can be very challenging, since the nature of this psychological condition will cause you to feel isolated and alone in the world. By keeping in contact with your friends and loved ones and by adhering to the treatment plan put forth by your mental health professional, you will be able to maintain a social life while depressed.

Things You'll Need

• A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist

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Instructions

Maintain a Social Life While You Are Depressed

• 1

  Follow the treatment plan that has been prescribed by your mental health care professional, whether it is psychotherapy, antidepressants or a combination of both. By veering off your treatment path, you risk withdrawing further from the world around you and breaking off relationships that help you to feel connected with the rest of the world.

• 2

  Maintain a social life when you are depressed by getting out of the house whenever possible. Even if you have no plans to meet with anyone, it is much better to be out in public, among other people. Feelings of depression tend to increase when you are home alone, lost in your thoughts, with little or no external stimuli.

• 3

  Plan an event or party or volunteer to help or plan someone else's party. This is a great way to keep your mind busy while you are depressed and plan a social event that will keep you in contact with many other people. The festive mood of the party will help to raise your spirits as well.

• 4

  Volunteer your time with a charitable organization. Dedicating yourself to helping other people who are less fortunate than you will help you to develop a better perspective on your own problems. Or, more likely, it will cause you to forget your problems completely and focus on the tasks at hand.

• 5

  Join an exercise class to maintain a social life while you are depressed. Not only will an exercise regimen help to increase your energy levels and make you feel better about your mind and body, but it will allow you to interact with others who have a similar commitment to their health.