Hi kurtbolt. Being in jail or any institution means we become accustomed to a certain lifestyle of rules and regulations. Was your friend granted early parole, if he was he probably was instructed to cease all contact. The hardest part is the transition back to the outside. Making decisions is scary after 5 years of being told when to eat, go to bed, get up etc. Trying to re-establish contact with a former inmate (even one you've known well) might not be in your best interests. Do you have any interests or hobbies that you can do as a sort of therapy. What sort of work did you engage in while serving time? I realise how difficult life can be after being institutionalized, there are things you can do to assist you. Unfortunately, today, many people are extremely judgemental about ex inmates or people with physical disabilities. Maybe look at volunteer work as a start. Meals on Wheels would certainly help with the transition. Are you on meds for the depression? A year isn't that long so I imagine you're probably still adjusting.