Personally...when im around other people, i feel better, i dont think that depression is the main cause of your fear of people...its the result of it. you have some sort of phobia, you should just talk to a psychiatrist about it, im 100% sure that when you get over that, you'll feel better.

When my depression hits, I usually want to isolate myself. But this makes the situation worse. My psychologist told me when that happens to force myself out. I end up having a nice time anyways.

I agree with you regarding the people situations and fear of very public places. I only like a small amount of people around me and i forget about the things but if its a large group with some people i dont know it just does the opposite i get lonely and depressed. I Think you should ignore FoodDRadio's comment because i dont have a 'phobia of people' and a side effect of sever depression is the dislike to socialise so its not uncommon and your not alone there mate.

When you start not going anywhere, not socializing, you begin to find it strange when you do it again. Not drinking and so on can only be excuses, have you seen it that way?
I am an abstemic, but I do go bars and pubs

Yeah even though its really hard at first you have to go out and socialize. I too have the same feelings of panic attacks, fearing i smell, or people are thinking the worst of me. Try at first goin out with a small group get comfortable around them and then start allowing yourself to go to more crowded places. Everyone has a phobia or a poor self image of themselves;just try and not let the negative thoughts take over you when u are out. Its so difficult i just turned 21 last year and I COULD NOT wait for it 3 years ago, but then depression hit me and I cant even go out with my family for a drink with out thinking a bad thought of myself!! AHH!!

Well, first of all, all of you should feel free to contact me by PM or via forum, as I am a Moderator and am available "outside".
Then, those are normal fears when we are scared and feel bad about ourselves, but they don't mean that we really are bad people or something like that. We allhave qualities and issues, good and bad things - things to share, things to get from others - it's part of our being.

yeah defin i agree with v00d00cita, but sometimes when ur anixety and depression starts to take over all ur positive thoughts its hard to think rationally like that.

Sure
Don't let that be overwhelming, really!

i can relate to not being comfortable in social situations

i just don't like it

i would much rather be with one or two people i know well

i don't like being around strangers, especially crowds

not sure what it is really, i just get really nervous

That's not unusual, there's nothing wrong with you, for sure

i can relate 100%. at the worst period of my depression, i became extremely introverted, which is very unlike how i used to be. i always wanted to be alone. if my friends called me to do something, i would always make up an excuse to not go out. ive been on wellbutrin for a few months now and it has helped significantly, although i still have short spurts of depression now and then. i am still somewhat introverted though :/

I know what it's like. And though we tend to turn into ourselves, we want to go out and be cherished, but we are affraid.*

Weird phobias that control your life.....: The humongous list of phobias that you can have find anywhere shares the same characteristics, like the fear of dentist or doctor. Phobias and Fears are emotional reactions to an uncomfortable situation that causes physical and mental responses. Some of the symptoms that affect all of these weird phobias and fears like fear of success or fear of long words include:
1) Horror, terror, confusion, fear and uncontrollable feelings of panic
2) Unawareness that phobias and fears go beyond.
3) Acceleration of heart beat, extreme sweating, trembling, breathing problems.

I think it is great that you do not drink. I felt very similar to you, but found that alcohol made me feel the opposite. Now I'm back to having a lot of the same feelings and am also a recovering alcoholic.... ick. I would talk to a psychiatrist though, mine is really helping me get through this with the appropriate medications. There is nothing wrong with treating your mental health just like your physical health- sometimes we get sick and need medicine and contrary to some beliefs it is not addicting and does not change your true personality (aspects of it, but not your authentic self. when we are miserable and don't feel well we usually are not acting like our authentic selves.) When I have been treated properly I get an overwhelming sense of positivity and being genuine at the same time. When I present negative emotions to others even though I try to hide them, something doesn't seem to add up and it's frustrating because I am a human.. therfore a social being.