Hi Beaser,
Happy to hear from you again, hope your session with your psychologist went well. You've done really well by yourself reaching this far, and I believe you'll be able to do greater things for yourself as well. Catching up with friends sounds like a great idea, and there's no need to be feeling guilty for not catching up with your friends because of what you were going through during that time.
About a few months ago, I went through my first break up with a wonderful person who was going through her dark depression times. It was really hard for me to accept what has happened, and it had left me in a state of feeling lost / unwanted / unsure of who I am anymore. But I'm really grateful to have a wonderful support network of friends and family members, as well as the awesome BB Community. I've learned a lot from the break up experience, and currently working to improve myself so I can live a happier life. There are days where I'll miss my ex, or just a small grief moment of the wonderful times we had. But I'll remind myself that the past is the past, to accept the end of the relationship that I once had, and keep moving on. I've also learned about self-love, something which I've neglected for a very long time. I'm still learning to trust myself; trusting that I'll be able to handle anything that comes my way, while living and enjoying the moment (which I found it really helpful when my thoughts goes astray and I start to doubt myself). It's been a fun and interesting journey thus far.
As for my ex, I've learned to let her go. I understand she has her own battles to deal with, and I cannot force myself on her if she doesn't want me in her battles. The best I can do is to keep moving on with my own life, and be ready to support her if she ever comes back. I still do think about her some times, and hope she'll be able to resurface from her dark abyss eventually.
Recommendations... Love ourselves! Accept ourselves as the wonderful and unique person that we are today. Learn to trust in our in actions and decisions, and when life gives us lemons, we make lemonade out of it. But when life gives us something incredible, cherish it and enjoy the moment until it's time for it to leave (think of it as the sun, the sun rises to give us warmth, and eventually it'll have to set. But it'll come back tomorrow).
Hope that helps Brett, thank you for listening to me, and happy to chat with you more as well. I feel you're a great man Brett, and I believe in you!
Jt