hi - I know that this problem may seem trivial compared with some of the posts on this part of the forum, but here goes. I'm on a fixed-term contract with a well known company, working in admin. I'm having real difficulty in talking to other people in my office, and I get the feeling sometimes that they're trying to avoid talking to me. I suffer from depression and sometimes find it really hard to get motivated to even do the basic things such as talk to people. I think sometimes people can be scared off by the fact I'm so quiet, and when I do try & join in conversation I get really nervous and end up saying something stupid or in the wrong tone of voice. This is affecting my working relationships with people and I need help with this - does anyone have any suggestions?

First of all - sorry to hear about your depression. Are you speaking to anyone about how you feel?

Secondly your colleagues - offices can be a bitch-pit!

I think that when you first get into work in the morning, greet everyone you come across with a chirpy 'morning' and a smile (even if you feel like screaming!) nobody can be horrid about that.

Also try striking up a mini conversation with one person instead of a group conversation, say when you are making a drink. Just keep it small and gradual.

Are there other people on a fixed term contract like you are? People who have worked in the same place for a long time sometimes don't see the point of investing time getting to know someone who is going to be there temporarily - bizzare I know!

As Lauren has said, don't try to do too much, a pleasant smile to greet everyone with is always a good opener. Another ploy you could try is getting a large tin of chocolates and putting it on your desk with the lid off. Even some of the most horrible people in an office will often put on a smile and make conversation in exchange for a chocolate. It will give people an excuse to stop and talk even just briefly, which will hopefully lead on to other conversations.

There may be lots of other 'office politics' going on that are nothing to do with you which you may be picking up on too. It's easy to say don't worry about it but I know from experience how hurtful and soul destroying it can be to feel alienated among a group of people at work.