Help - how do I socialise when depressed?

[Catnextdoor]

I'm suffering from anxiety and depression, on the waiting list for counselling. I've been finding it really hard to do anything sociable for months, I'm single and live on my own and don't have many friends anyway. Big social events are difficult at the best of times as I'm quite introverted but now I'm even struggling when just meeting friends. I can keep it together for a couple of hours but then feel like I'm starting to unravel and feel tearful or panicky, and have to go and calm down in the toilets. It's just making things worse as loneliness is part of the problem that's making me depressed and now, when I really need to try and widen my social circle or even just see friends, it's getting harder to do it. Has anyone been through this and have any tips?

How long is the waiting list?
I’d start small and build up. A walk or trip to the shops on your own. Maybe then a trip to cinema with a friend so not much talking needed. Getting out the house at all will make you feel better. Try and say a few words to someone whilst on your walk or in a cafe, or at the shops. But don’t feel you have to jump In feet first, think of a plan with small steps on it

Thanks for the advice. The wait is 3 months ( 2 to go!). The cinema is a good idea, I haven't been for a while.