Am I a burden?
I’ve had depression for a while, including anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. I feel like such a big burden on my friends when I talk to them about it. I’ve lost at least 5 friends because I overshare about my depression and other things. I just came home from a psych hospital, and don’t know who else to talk to. I have my school counsellor, but my friends make fun of me when I talk to her. I don’t want to loose anymore friends because of my mental health issues, but I don’t know what to do. I feel like all I talk about is being depressed and have barely any friends. I feel like I don’t know what else to talk about because that’s all that’s in my head! How do I make other friends and not feel like such a big burden?
THINGS YOU CAN DO:
- Thank you for sharing your story, it sounds as if you have been through a lot recently and might be feeling pretty upset. There is a great article by the Mayo Clinic that talks about the power of positive thinking: Positive thinking: Reduce stress by eliminating negative self-talk – Mayo Clinic.
- Try learning more about what you are going through on our website under the LEARN tab as we have information about anxiety, grief and loss, and relationships. You can even learn more on these reputable websites: Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Consider if your personal boundaries keep you physically, emotionally, spiritually safe. You may have to consider also your values when it comes to friendship. If have a healthy relationship with your school counselor, please think about reaching out to her to talk to her. Your friends who have your best interests in mind will support your getting the help you need.
WHEN YOU ARE UP FOR IT:
- Please look around on our website for some useful ideas. We have information on our LEARN tab, and we have great ideas for ways to help yourself on our WHAT’S NEW tab and our TOOLS tab.
- Lastly, surround yourself with positive people and increase the likelihood you will have positive experiences. Find something to be grateful for every day and keep a gratuity journal. Enjoy a moment in nature. Make something beautiful. And keep taking care of you!
