Hi Canders,

Thinking of you so much (((Canders))) hugs if okay for you.

This is a tricky situation, and I've been in similar situations before, too. I feel for you! Have you ever been on an airplane and heard the safety lecture before the plane takes off? They tell what would happen if the plane loses pressure, when the little masks come down from the ceiling so people could use the oxygen on board. They always instruct parents to put on the masks on themselves first, then to worry about placing the masks on their children afterwards. Sometimes we need to make sure we're taking good care of ourselves first, or we can't be in good shape to be there to support somebody else in a crisis, just like the potential situation on an airplane with the oxygen masks. Of course you care very much for your friends, and it's so wonderful that you do! But you also need to be taking good care of yourself. It's critical that you do. It's okay to take a step back, and do what is necessary for self-care. You can indeed encourage your friends to seek support from counseling, or from other friends in addition to you. You can also set boundaries with them, and say that you'd like to provide support - but maybe not at such an intense level. You could say that for now, it's too much to discuss certain topics, like SI, for instance. These things are all okay, Canders. Taking good care of you is extremely important. I also hope you're seeking support for yourself by visiting with your own friends and such, and talking with your own T if you're seeing one presently, and so forth. If there are things you can do which are comforting and helpful at difficult times (go for a walk....see a movie...listen to some favorite music....journal...call or write a good friend....do some crafts....blow some bubbles!....etc.) this might be a good time to do such things too.

Thinking of you....please take extra-gentle care of yourself.

Take care,
ErinBear