Feeling depressed and isolated. How do I move forward?
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.
– Updated on May 24, 2026
Question
I’m a 23-year-old woman who has been housebound since May 2011.
I’ve been seeing a therapist since September, but I haven’t noticed any improvement yet. I’m not currently on any medication.
Lately, I feel numb and disconnected from my emotions. I am unsure of what I want or where to go in life.
I struggle with codependency and have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in the past.
I live alone and often spend up to 14 hours a day watching TV.
I really want to build a meaningful life, but I don’t know where to start or what steps to take. Please, I need help.
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Answer
In my experience certain types of behavioral disorders require are more directly involved behavioral intervention than “talking therapy” offers. Essentially, this is the reason for such treatments as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Note the emphasis on the term “Behavioral.”
Therefore, I want to suggest a type of therapy in which the therapist goes to your home,(or sends a paraprofessional) and helps you leave the house and begin to interact with people. This is done not instead in conjunction with CBT or DBT. In fact, this is the type of intervention that is done with those who suffer from the types of phobias that keep them hiding at home for fear of having panic attacks.
The benefit for you of DBT is that it offers a way for you to reduce the tensions and emotions that interfere with your life and thinking. I believe both approaches are best for you. It is also possible that you would benefit from medication, but only your treatment specialists working with you could decide that along with you.
So, to sum up, you will begin to make real progress when you are helped to leave the house but you will need help for that.
Best of luck.
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MentalHealth.com is a health technology company dedicated to guiding people toward self-understanding and human connection. We provide reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities that educate, support, and empower people throughout their mental health journey.
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a somatic psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and neuropsychology.
Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is a medical writer with more than 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes on a wide range of mental health topics, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, stress, and relationship challenges.
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Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.
– Updated on May 24, 2026
Additional Reading
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
MentalHealth.com is a health technology company dedicated to guiding people toward self-understanding and human connection. We provide reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities that educate, support, and empower people throughout their mental health journey.