Dear Ruby~
Welcome to the Forum. I'm sorry to hear things have not been good for you. Depression and isolation unfortunately seem to go together.
On the other hand I'm very glad you have taken the steps needed to get medical help - an absolute must as I found out. Do you have family to support you too?
On-line learning is completely different from going to school, uni or TAFE, as you have found out. You might get a little interaction in the areas that discuss particular topics on-line but it is no substitute for actually being with people - which is most important for anyone.
I guess if you were finding mainstream schooling useful for social as well as learning purposes then you need to find a substitute where you can be with people again.
This boils down in many cases to motivation and ingenuity. As I don't know your financial and other limitations I can only make suggestions that seem reasonable in a general sort of way.
First off do you have any pastimes or hobbies that you enjoy? It does not need to be anything particularly outgoing, if you like reading then a book club might be found at the library, if painting an art workshop and so on. Libraries and local councils tend to be contact points and maintain lists.
Another avenue is volunteering, anything from helping out at a thrift shop to dealing with the plastic dogs in the Royal Blind Society, or real ones at the RSPCA. If you are more adventurous then helping at your local volunteer Fire Service or State Emergency Service.
I know the idea of any of these can seem pretty daunting, however I think the opposite, staying away from people, is daunting too.
I'd welcome it if you would write back and talk more
Croix
