I definitely know. That's been me too.

For me I have a mixed story to tell. You mentioned not hurting your friends. It depends on your friends. for me I just didn't share my problems much because I didn't want to burden others. When I started opening up my friends showed their true colors. one left, even before I opened up because I "wasn't there for her anymore" - I got so depressed that I was in my apartment all day and unable to get out of bed at one point, and she left me as a friend because I wasn't there for her.

Some friends may not be up for the challenge of having a somewhat equal friendship. But you have the right to one. Other friends will stand up to that challenge, and it will be well worth it.

It was important for me, to learn that sharing is a necessary part of a true friendship, that you can't hold your own emotional needs in ... you need give and TAKE too.

just my thoughts on it...