How can I get a social life from scratch when your I’m 22, depressed, and my own worst enemy?

Anonymous

Just focus more on yourself and what is best for you, keep positive company, try to reduce the activity you want to do, but do not eliminate all activity, keep some activity alive, especially social, don't ask too much of yourself and just relax sometimes too, recover, when you are tired, not overworking helps, writing a diary helps, and so on. There are many tips. I personally think CBT is better than anti-depressants in the treatment of anxiety of depression as it teaches self-care.

Anonymous

Luckily you're going to school, which makes it easier to socialize and meet new people. Start more conversations with the people around you before and after lecture. Don't expect much in the beginning, but you will eventually come across someone that you click with. Just perceive every social interaction as practice. When you have free time, attend events on campus, workout at the gym, or just frequent someplace with a lot of students. There are always a few outgoing people who will start conversations because they keep running into you. Also, get out more in general. People can't talk to you if they don't see you, so try to make yourself seen. Don't go straight home after class. Hang around campus for a bit, talk to folks in line for coffee, work on an assignment with other students, etc. Whenever I go to the tutoring center, it's crowded. Someone from one of my classes usually recognizes me and approaches to ask a question. I stopped going there to study because I'm frequently interrupted and never get anything done, but I made some friends. (Consistency in your schedule also makes a difference: I met a few friends in yoga and my boyfriend at the gym because I'm there at the same time every week). So if you can think of someplace on campus where people are encouraged to talk, I would try there first.