Hi hardknocklife, I'm really sorry that you have had to endure that from people. I'd say it comes as much from ignorance on their part and unfortunately there are people out there who have a lot of misled beliefs. Although try not to let any of that make you feel any worse about yourself (real easy to say, I know, but........). You know those people who have treated you so unfairly, just aren't worth it!! And just from reading your thread it sounds like you're a much more sensitive, caring person than any one of them, Hold your head up, and feel good about who you are compared with........as much as you possibly can.
And......there will be people who do understand out there, as evidenced on here, and it can be really good to be able to be open about how you're feeling and share things.
But even with some people who don't understand, then if they have the ability to be empathetic then maybe if you try and explain some of what you're experiencing then they may come much closer to getting where you're coming from. Of course that depends on being with people with that ability........
As for your friends who are miles away though maybe they'd like to know if you're having a hard time, and have that opportunity to be there for you. Afterall friendships aren't/shouldn't be just about good/happy times but about harder times as well.
And you know, wouldn't you want the opportunity to try to support/help a friend when they needed it if you could (or if you weren't feeling as you do now??) ? So do you think that just maybe you could tell them just a little of what's going on for you and give them that opportunity??
But with your psychologist could you ask her to arrange sessions in them with longer term goals as you're not getting to see her as much as you'd like?? I know this won't really fill the gap but it could give you some added focus for when you're not seeing her.
And of course you're not alone!! We're right here for you, and we care!! We're here to back you all the way!!
Alison