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Losing Friends due to Depression

busyemptymind January 16th, 2018

Does anyone else feel like this? I guess I want to know that I'm not alone today.

I realized something new recently... I have been pushing away some good friends for a while now due to my depression. I tend to keep myself sheltered and alone when I am feeling down, and although I know I would probably feel better if I reached out, I give in to the feeling. I am losing one of my closest friends right now due to this. I can't seem to schedule socializing into my life when I already feel overwhelmed by my schedule. My schedule isn't the problem though, it's me. I am way too stressed out. I have lost friends in the past, and now I am realizing that I'm losing her for the same reason. I can't seem to get myself out of the house for anything other than work, and even that is hard (but I have to).

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lifegoesondaisy January 16th, 2018

@busyemptymind

I feel like this too. When I'm in my dark episodes I sleep, never leave my house, and avoid all communication with friends. I don't have any friends who know about my depression and anxiety, and I guess I don't feel comfortable to tell them or feel like they won't understand so I avoid them. I'm no longer close with my best friend. Of course our work and college schedules play a part, but when there is time off for us I don't reach out. It has made me feel so alone. Currently, I started talking to a family member about what I'm going through so that has helped, but I feel so disconnected from my friends. I honestly only talk to other people at work and at my internship. So you are not alone. I feel the same way and I'm sure others do as well. I would say that if you feel comfortable telling your friend about what you are going through that will help you. At least they will have a reason as to why you are distant. I should probably do the same. Hopefully soon. Anyways good luck, and thanks for sharing.

1 reply
busyemptymind OP January 16th, 2018

@thegirlwithglass Thanks for sharing. I reached out to her right before this post was made. Having some anxiety about it, she replied... but I am too afraid to open the message now. I feel more alone when I don't reach out to people, I have learned that over the years. I don't know why I allowed myself to push her so far away... it just makes me realize that I need to take better care of my relationships and get out of my own head sometimes. I hope you share your feelings with your friends too... as you said, real friends will understand. The people you need around will stay, you will gain a bigger support system. The more the merrier. <3 Wishing you luck on your journey.

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ditdotdan January 16th, 2018

@busyemptymind
Hello friend. I've been battling depression for 6 years now, heading on 7 years this September. Two years ago I lost my best friend and girlfriend, who left me because she couldn't take the strain that my mental health had on my relationship too. In the past year, I have started my journey to getting better and with that I have very much noticed my lack of a social life. I have lost everyone, and I survive only from online friendships and the good relationship I have with my family. Whilst your mental health should be a priority, I think that sometimes it might be good to try to push yourself to socialise - however much you don't want to. Even trying to invite your friends to you might make you feel better. The most important thing to remember is that we aren't hopeless and we still have a chance at fixing our social lives, no