I have always been shy too. Having serious conversations about most anything makes me emotional, even after being married for 12 years! One thing that I have a hard time with is making eye contact during conversations - i just start to cry when things get tough - so I find it helpful sometimes to talk while we are driving in the car. If one of us is focusing on the road then somehow it seems easier for me to say stuff. Start small, with something that won't ruffle many feathers for either one of you. If you keep practicing it will eventually get easier. One thing that helped me when I was much younger - right when I graduated from college - was getting a simple Job at a local coffee shop. (Not a big chain, somewhere small with no pressure.) interacting with customers helped me break out of my shell a little bit. I had a reason to talk to them ("you look like you could use a cappuccino and a bear claw!") and it helped me get over some of my shyness! Hugs, Super Girl

Ashley, Health Educator

Hi There, I've had depression pretty much sense childhood. I was picked on a lot and because I am skinny and talk slow I didn't have a lot of friends. Last year I was diagnosed with Epilepsy and had to stop working for a few months. I don't have a lot of friends at work and I have a pretty good relationship. But I'm a really shy person, and I need to learn on how to speak to others about how I feel and how to communicate with my partner without getting upset (I'm emotional a lot) I have low self esteem, but I am hoping that this 16 week depression session will help me. Any advise on how to not get nervous or anxious when I want to express my feelings or ask my partner for help and support? We've been together for 8 years and he takes care of all the finances. Is there also any advise on how to get out and learn how to not be depressed and shy? Thanks so much