How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? (Charlotte)

I have been out of work for 6 months and worry about the gap. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. What do you say in interviews?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.