How do you reach out to people...

[LaBelleSauvage123]

...when you’re feeling depressed and lonely. Surely if you tell them how you’re feeling, any action that might take will just be because they feel sorry for you, not because they really want to spend time with you?

Well, you've reached out on here OP.
I think people may surprise you. Try it with someone you trust. Have you got anyone in mind?

I think people would be surprised if they knew. I put on a very good front! And then they’d feel sad and sorry I am feeling this way and would ( I think) do things to try to put it right - invite me to things, suggest we do stuff together etc. But I’d always feel as if I ‘asked’ for it, instead of it being a sign of genuine warmth and affection, of actually wanting to spend time with me.

So you aren't the sort of person to mention these things normally. I'd give it a go with someone you trust and that is a genuine person with their other actions.
A problem shared and all that. It really does help to connect with others. Sorry you're having a tough time at the moment. Is it an everyday low that you feel or every now and again.

I think people would be surprised if they knew. Is that stopping you somehow, showing your vulnerable side.

No, it’s simply that I want people to act out of genuine warmth and wanting to be in my company. If they do something because I’ve told them how I feel and they feel sorry for me, that would just make me feel as if they were being ‘forced’ emotionally.

I don’t feel like this all the time. I have a particular set of family circumstances which make my life a bit more restricted than most - ie I can’t often so spontaneous social stuff or just go out when I want to.