Not sure, but Birdgie may have written 'and' instead of 'or'....and yes, sometimes people Do Make A Career out of their mental illness wanting attention, behavior is that of a martyr, weak and I can't do anything because "I'm Depressed" and this is taken on as 'their personality' rather than depression is just 'one part of one's life'.

Obviously, you would not be here asking questions of how to 'move out of your comfort zone, following your therapists advice if you "chose to make depression a career'...Good For You! Don't know your therapist, but she may be using 'get out' as a form of therapy called Exposure Therapy. I have bp1 and rapid cycles so I'm up and down like a yoyo....fall and winter are the most challenging....at 64 I've been dealing with this since 30.

Yes it is hard, that is the reason you will hear the term "push through" depression, because simpily only You Can Push Yourself...no one controls you, your feelings...it's all a choice...glad you are choosing to make the effort! Hope the web info helps!
http://www.anxietycoach.com/exposuretherapy.html

Hi there, I too am just like you. I so want friendships but then I feel so uncomfortable and awkward. I just don't seem to fit in anywhere. The place where I do find meeting people easier is when i am walking my dog, don't know if you have one but that can certainly help make you feel less isolated.

May need to celebrate baby steps.
I identified with little Sadie because I did my best to draw other people out. It helped me over weeks and months. Now it has been years. Don't give up.
Dolly