Issues with friendship

Hi @CatsInTheCradle . I saw your comment a while back and took some time to reflect. Where I am from, in my social circle, most of my friends have been friends with their BFFs for almost 8-9 years, so it never crossed my mind that it is actually a huge period of time. I do realise that now, after seeing your comment and I feel so good and warm inside. Thank you for your kind insight. It has helped me a lot!

Hello @grayOwl035, firstly I would like to thank you for reaching out. It can be very hard sometimes to feel like we aren't overburdening people we care about. But I can assure you, you aren't being a burden. If the roles were reversed, would you feel like she is burdening you by talking about her struggles? How I like to look at it, is that if it were me, I would always be supportive of my ride-or-die, no matter what happens, no matter the conversation or what time they need to talk, I would be there. And I am getting that sense with your friend, seems like she really wants to help and be your safe place to talk about whatever you are struggling with. Depression and even ptsd has a way of sneaking into our thoughts and being that little voice in our heads that are telling us that no one wants to listen to our problems, we are just a bother. Unfortunately, it is very hard to make these thoughts and feelings just go away, but they can be managed. The word overburden itself means to overload someone with too many things, but have they actually expressed that to you? Or is it more a self thought and feeling within you? What could really help, is reaching out to some of our listeners here and talking with them about what is troubling you, that way, you are still talking it out and expressing how you are feeling without worrying that you are overburdening someone with everything. And remember, your feelings are very valid and important, and us listeners are happy to help when we can :)

Hi @ChasingDreams101.

If the roles were reversed, I would be very glad that she came to me for support and would stay and comfort and console her until she feels better.

Yeah, she really wants to be my safe place. I always ask her if she could spare a few minutes before a rant (because I didn't want to disturb her if she's busy). She has always replied that she is and would take time out even if she is busy to listen to me.

Every time I express the fear that I might overburden her, she doesn't say anything outright, but takes the time to make sure I feel alright and talks through my fears.

Hi gray, i’m speaking from my own experience here, your friend it’s totally supportive but she may not know how to help you and that could be frustrating for her. I don’t think that you can’t have such combination, since these types of diagnosis can even be tricky for a profesional to diagnose, But you may have one of those, please seek help, since it’s really hard to live a normal life. In my case CBT and the book When panic attacks helped a great deal, but i’m still seing my psychiatrist. Use the listeners we have here since this may alleviate your problems. Take care!

Hi @MrProsper

Yeah, she expressed that she doesn't know how to help me even though she wants to.

So glad that you reach a great understanding! Lots of love!