I think the replies critical of your comment are unfair. In my read, it is not critical of depressed people. To be depressed _is_ to be very self absorbed. It i

I think the replies critical of your comment are unfair. In my read, it is not critical of depressed people. To be depressed _is_ to be very self absorbed. It isn't a character flaw, it's a result of the condition. The advice to make yourself do things can be helpful. Speaking personally, in periods of depression I have left the house less because of pessimism about how good a time it would be, or whether it'd be worthwhile. It's helpful, if you can, to ignore those feelings and make yourself do things, for the simple fact that it's good for you. As you say, "if you can" is the rub.