Hello lostnfound40: I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

I'm sorry you have had this unfortunate experience. You know... the Skeezyks reads a lot of posts here on PC. And I can't tell you how many times I've read one essentially the same as yours. I don't know whether to conclude from this that falling for a person who struggles with mental health issues is just "challenging" (in an emotional sense) or if what you have experienced is more likely because the person you care for struggles with mental health issues.

I can't tell you whether or not what your friend has decided is related to anxiety or some other aspect of mental illness. But whether it is or not, the answer to your question, from my perspective, is yes. You just need to give the situation time... assuming you want to. Keep in touch to let her know you still care... but not too much. Don't smother her. Time will tell whether she will be yours or if you're simply going to have to move on. If things don't change, you may simply have to make the decision yourself to move on.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!