One day, one step at a time. It's not easy, but keep moving forward.

It's good to hear that you're coming through things and getting back on your feet. My best wishes will be with you.

Any positive change small or large is a step in the right direction Timmy. Just keep up the good work.

The good days are a blessing and should be enjoyed to the fullest. Look forward to a string of them and take a walk in the sunshine. Those who truly care for you, as in not saying it to make themselves feel good, will remain at your side no matter what. A simple apology goes a long way to keeping friends.

As for rebuilding a relationship that went down the toilet, reach out and apoloize. The fact that you're apologizing already acknowledges the fact that you know you did something wrong (hurt someone else, etc). That's all you can do at this point. The rest is up to the other party. So hope for the best. Like you said, you know it's not realistic to expect things to go back to the way they were, but perhaps they could, in time.

Oh and a side note, I know it's easy to try to please others all the time, but sometimes it's just not possible. Work on yourself and doing things for yourself. If you're not feeling good, then you can't feel good around others. You're the most important in your life.

Depression is tricky and hard to handle, even if you're not dealing with it yourself. My mother is on medication and has explosive rants that lasts for days.

I feel for you. I hope things go well.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the advice. It takes a while to put the pieces back together. Right now I'm operating only on sheer will power of positive thinking. I still feel a little blue, but I am getting better.

Where do I begin? I am not really sure. How do you rebuild relationships with other people after you

Today I spent several hours round at 2 of my mum's friends' house. She had isolated herself from them for, oh, I think it was coming up to 2 months (and before then it had been sporadic contact for awhile). But all bridges she thought had been burnt hadnt been at all. The friends were really glad to see her! and very happy that she was well enough to visit (they had been aware of her problems). but she had stayed away for longer than she needed, 1 because she hadnt felt she had the energy to socialise at all (and wanted me to stand in when i was home), and 2 she was afraid that they hated her for ignoring them (and being not completely rational with them). But of course all was fine. and she would have been better meeting them earlier when she needed support (when she thought she couldnt face it). but I'm glad you want to reach out to people. thats why I mentioned the above, to describe how it can go well. Goodluck with it all. Friends really are very important! Celia