[turtle]

I too have battled depression for many years with all sorts of ups and downs. Right now, I'm in a definite valley in my life with job problems, financial woes and the usual stuff of life's low points. My problems seem to be compounded by the fact that my friends, my "support people", are all at high points in their lives. I want to be truly happy for them, but I am sad to admit that I am more bitter than happy about how well life is treating them. Of course, the bitterness makes my misery even worse and then I add in guilt for not be able to just be happy for my friends. I feel like l am a miserable friend, a poor excuse for a human being who, no doubt, doesn't deserve anything good happening. How can I learn to be happy for my friends -- or do I need to stop seeing them until we are on more even ground (which, barring a miracle, isn't going to happen in my life very soon.)?

[soscared]

Hi,
Sometimes just being around people who are positive and upbeat will help you to feel better, I know that not being on the same level as them right now is hard to cope with, making you feel probably worse than you should. They will not always remain on the up, life just does not work that way.
If these people are your true friends they will understand what you are going through. Sometimes I look at people who seem to be having all tthe good things in life and try and figure out what has helped them to get to where they are, then I try and change the things I can.
People should like you for who you are not what you have, and you have probably been a support for them in the past, which is something of great value. Look at yourself and try and see what you have done for yourself and others, can your friends say the same thing?
I'm sure behind all the presented happiness of your friends there is also problems in their lives, they just don't want to show it,for the fear of looking bad(Maybe??)
I don't know if this helps much, but keep us posted on how you are doing and don't be so hard on yourself o-kay
Take Care of Yourself

[jessiejames]

You are not a poor excuse for a human being. Never think like that. You, like everyone else on this forum, are special, unique and you deserve to have good things happen to you. And they will. However, this tends to take time. Sometimes you may feel like your world has come to a dead stop while your friends' have it made. Don't feel badly about resenting this. It's only human. Just don't let it destroy your friendships. Whenever these thoughts come into your head, just try thinking about how important these people are to you and what life would be like if they weren't around. And most importantly don't give up hope that good things are coming your way. Take care. I have come to believe that we go through things in life to make us into the people we are destined to be.

[rsalty1]

At least you have friends. I have nobody