My best friends abandoned me in my time of need
DEAR DEIDRE: Ever since I told my two best friends about my mental health problems, they’ve stopped asking me to go out with them.
I feel they’ve abandoned me when I need them the most, and I’m devastated.
I’m a 25-year-old woman, and my friends, who I’ve known since school, are the same age.
My boyfriend broke up with me and I fell apart. My friends were sympathetic, at first, until I was diagnosed with depression and started having counselling.
The other night, they went to the party of a mutual friend, and didn’t invite me. When I heard about it, I rang one of them saying I was hurt.
She said they didn’t think it would be much fun being with me, as I have mental health problems.
They act like I’m suddenly a problem and a killjoy. The irony is, I was feeling better before this happened.
Now I’m more depressed than ever.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Your friends appear to have no understanding of what you’re going through, or empathy. They sound shallow and superficial – fair weather friends.
As hurtful as this is, it is better to find out about flaky friendships so you can develop genuine ones.
Talk to your counsellor and don’t let it set you back.
When you’re stronger, get out there and cultivate other friendships.
