-- Posted by Anonymous at 3:50 pm on July 10, 2009 Serious topic, folks. Thanks. I was depressed for this past year. I believe I am over the worst of it, but I still don't feel the same. Therapy is not an option, unfortunately. I feel like I'm not the same person I used to be. I used to be outgoing to the point of being brash, cheerful, etc. etc. Now, I am the completely opposite. I look down when I walk, and shy away from people. I want to get better, and get back to my old self, but I don't know how.   -- Posted by My Dreams WILL Wait at 3:54 pm on July 10, 2009 Stress and busyness does this to people sometimes. Somethings had to keep you away for a while and now when you tried to get back it felt a little different...It's like forgetting a language because you are not using it.. I think you should try to get out there, socialize and start all over there, and no don't be shy or ashamed, people remember how you used to be like...It won't hurt you to try -- Posted by ToyJetpack at 4:30 pm on July 11, 2009 The venue for your social outreach would have to vary based on how old you are, but any place where people your age go to hang out in your area is a good place to start. A big part of being outgoing is networking, being friends with your friends' friends, and so on. If someone offers to hang out, don't turn them down if you don't have to. -- Posted by kelley187 at 4:44 pm on July 11, 2009 im the EXACT same way. i was perscribed prozac (an anti-depressant) a few days ago so im hoping that will help. counsling isnt an option for me either. i suggest seeing a doctor, even though it sucks and they're so annoying and frustrating. im hoping to be back to my old funny, cheerful, outgoing self as well -- Posted by Ken01 at 2:54 am on July 12, 2009 Time travel! On a serious note; why not try forcing yourself to do things you used to do? Maybe that will help you go back to being into a happier mood. -- Posted by Mimic at 4:40 am on July 12, 2009 You need to think about what you used to do in those days. What's different now? Are your friends different? Is the way you socialise different? Do you attend and visit different places to what you did then? Depression will change who you are, there is no denying that, and I think it will always have some sort of impact on who you are. Don't view this as a bad thing, you know what it's like to be low, and knowing this will make you appreciate highs and happy times so much better than you did before. It's horrible to have to go through something so harsh to be able to appreciate who you are and what you have. But it's true, if we constantly have the "good life" we'll never truly appreciate what we have. Try hanging out with people who make you happy, and going to places where your happiest memories lie. Go out, see people and try and live the life you were living before you started feeling this way. Take one small step at a time, they are easier to get used to and rectify than large steps. Just believe in yourself and who you are, you can be who you want to be.