If you find yourself falling into a pattern that didn’t work for you in the past (like dating someone who makes you feel bad about yourself), leave the situation, and take some time off or find another companion.“Therapy might help you to work out any issues you have in order to go forward in your relationships and not repeat past mistakes,” Friedman says.

Millions of people turn to the Internet to find romantic partners, but that doesn’t mean it’s not difficult, says Friedman.

Friedman says these types of sites can be a good place to go to, but consider mainstream dating sites as well.

Don’t give up after meeting just one or two people.

“There are always individual differences,” she says.

You need to take good care of yourself before you can take care of someone else in a relationship.

You might choose that time to share that you have depression.”When you feel the time is right, Friedman suggests a three-part “script.” First, tell your partner that she is important to you, enough so that you have something about yourself to share with her.

Second, don’t just blurt out “I suffer from depression.” Instead, preface it by telling her there’s something you’ve struggled with that’s a fairly common problem, let her know you have been diagnosed with depression and that you’re taking care of yourself by seeking treatment.

But dating can be a challenge when you suffer from depression.

“Sometimes if you don’t feel like smiling but are in a situation where you’re expected to be happy, that can make you feel even worse,” says Helen Friedman, Ph D, a clinical psychologist in private practice in St. That said, meeting a new person can also be a source of joy.