[Bri Guy]

The friends I have confided in that I suffer from depression have disappeared from my life. Ever since I told them, they never call, text, or contact me on social media. I know I could contact them, but I feel like they have abandoned me and don't want to deal with my depression. Why can't they just contact me and ask me how I'm doing? I feel very alone. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Skeezyks]

Hello Guy: Unfortunately I believe your experience is all too common as you will see if you continue on here on PC. I see this is your first post here. So... welcome to PsychCentral! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

Here are links to some articles from PsychCentral's archives on the subject of depression that may be of some interest:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/strateg...ng-depression/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-step...ng-depression/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-do...al-loneliness/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-tips...of-depression/

I don't know, of course, if you're here simply seeking advice with regard to this particular concern or if you plan to hang in here with us. However, should you be planning to continue on (we hope you do)... may I suggest you introduce yourself over on PC's New Member Introductions forum? Here's a link:

https://forums.psychcentral.com/new-...introductions/

There's a lot of support that can be available here on PC. The more you post, & reply to other members' posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are the chat rooms where you'll be able to interact with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) So please keep posting!

Welcome to the forum. I have not lost friends due to telling them about my depression, but I don't have that many friends to tell

[bpforever1]

I've told people about my illness and never heard from them again. Of course, they were not friends. I think some people become scared when you tell them you have an illness that they cannot relate with. If you had cancer or something physical, then they may relate and support you. However, when you divulge information about mental illness, then people either turn off or just run away. Some people are different though and are supportive about mental illness. These are the ones who are more inquisitive and stick around. I apologize if I'm not helpful.

When people can't relate or dont know what to say a lot of them bail. Its a reflection of them and not you. Unfortunately this pushes many people to not share about their mental illness. Its frustrating and hurtful.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. If you ever need to talk I'm here.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm sure it happens to a lot of people. There's a lot of stigma around MI. Sorry that they abandoned you...

[Wild Coyote]

Welcome to PC and to the Depression forum.
I hope you will find the information and the support you may be seeking.
Please make yourself at home here.

I am sorry you have lost friends.

Sometimes people flee because they don't understand.
Other times, they just get busy with life and we may be too depressed to join them in their activities. I, for instance, become more withdrawn and stop going to social events, while my friends are at the social events. Some of my friends misunderstand and think I am snubbing them!

It's sometimes worth it to try to talk this through with a special friend(s).
Have you thought of reaching out to your friends? Just a thought.

I hope to see you around the forums.

WC