Posted by fallsfall on February 27, 2004, at 8:13:17
In reply to Sad, empty and afraid, posted by tinydancer on February 26, 2004, at 12:48:50
It is very hard when your "friends" list is short. Because even the very best and most caring friends can't always be there when you need them because they have their own issues, too.
I agree with Racer about the support groups. I have met some people in support groups who I now have deep friendships with. Also try groups for people with your interests (for me it is Ice Skating or a Chorus). In these groups you can meet people who you have something in common with and have a readymade activity that you can enjoy together (it also is helpful to have some friends who are not mentally ill - this is something that is hard for me!).
I have made some very close friends through Babble. We email or IM as well as posting here. I think that online friends are wonderful (and some of my online friends DO understand me the best). But I think that you HAVE to have real, local friends as well. You need local friends because it is harder to hide when you are feeling badly if you see them face to face (or even on the phone). Also, sometimes you need someone to give you a ride (to a therapy appointment if you are too upset to drive, or to the hospital). Most important, I need my local friends because I really need hugs. Somehow online hugs just don't feel the same.
When you feel like you have more than one person to call, then you will be less demanding on each friend, and less upset if they have other priorities. It's hard work to establish a strong support network. But it is really worth it.
Good luck
poster:fallsfall
thread:317921
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040225/msgs/318162.html