[LiteraryLark]

I have characters in my head that I communicate and have adventures with, imaginary friends essentially. They help me problem solve and fill in friendship voids as I have trouble making and keeping friends and maintaining relationships with coworkers.

I've had characters come and go all throughout my life. These particular characters came as I dealt with my sexuality and loneliness and I've grown attached to them over the past seven months.

I've recently started a new job which is hectic, and thus my characters became overwhelmingly complicated. I developed a crush on a coworker and when he became involved in my fantasies I decided enough was enough.

I spent my time in the car driving explaining to my characters that I needed a break and it was time to say goodbye. I cried/am crying, naturally, because they are a significant part of my life. I've spent every day with them doing most everything, and it hurts me to see them leave.

They're gone, I feel them gone, but now I miss them. I know I need to focus building relationships with my coworkers in the real world, but I feel so alone without them, and it's only been a few hours. There's still time to bring them back, and I know that if I don't, they'll be gone forever like my other characters and perhaps replaced by new characters.

I wrote this for me personally, because I know it's up to me to decide whether it's time to let them go, but I feel so sad and confused. I love them so much, but they're not real, but if they're not here, who else will keep me company?

[Lauru]

Have you ever talked to a therapist about this? Or a psychiatrist? They might be able to give you a clearer view on what is going on which may help you to decide.

[LiteraryLark]

I've been on a break for a few months because my T was a post-doc, meaning temporary. I'm meeting a new T on the 5th.

My previous T encouraged the characters as a way to problem-solve. I'm not sure if this is something I'll bring up with the new T.

[LiteraryLark]

One of my characters was at the JC and we had lunch together. We didn't say much, she only said they missed me and were here for me, then I went to work.

I was thinking about my other current fantasy, my coworker, and I knew I was struggling with who I wanted to focus my energy on...but my coworker came to work today (IRL) and I tried talking with him but he's so distant because he's so busy with work. I realized there's not much to chase if I'm not even on his radar.

Now I'm stuck with choosing between a real-life coworker who hardly knows I exist, and my characters whose been with me for the past seven months.

[sukothefox]

I think that you shouldnt have said good bye to them... Of course, if you think about your co worker more, why should it bother you? someday you will feel like talking to your imaginary friend again, it shouldnt be something that you either discard or just keep. I think a middle ground should be reached.

I support your efforts to live in real time with real people and to have relationships with real people! Sadly, your coworker does not share the same feelings you have for them but, still, seeking the friendship of a real person is a positive step.

I think you should discuss your imaginary friends with your new T, as well as your feelings for your co-worker. I hope you will continue to reach out to other real people for friendship. I wish you all the best.

[also_depr]

Your characters are part of the matrix. Now you are in the real world. It seems scary at first, but it's the only thing that you have.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by DrSkipper

One of my characters was at the JC and we had lunch together. We didn't say much, she only said they missed me and were here for me, then I went to work.

I was thinking about my other current fantasy, my coworker, and I knew I was struggling with who I wanted to focus my energy on...but my coworker came to work today (IRL) and I tried talking with him but he's so distant because he's so busy with work. I realized there's not much to chase if I'm not even on his radar.

Now I'm stuck with choosing between a real-life coworker who hardly knows I exist, and my characters whose been with me for the past seven months.

Dr skipper .....Being able to say good bye to your fantasy characters and live in reality, takes lots of courage and shows you have grown strong and mentally more stable. I know so many people that are not able to take this healing journey you have undertaken, many of which are in the mental health unit because they have lived so long in their fantasies with their imaginary friends/characters that they are now unable to function in the world of reality outside of the hospital lock down settings of total / partial inpatient mental health facilities/hospitals.

I came on here today not sure if I wanted to read because a majority of posts on websites like this one are jammed full of the negative sides of mental illness. it is so good to be able to come on psych central and read positive healing posts of someone being able to heal and move forwards in their lives..

I am so happy that you are able to heal and continue to move forwards along your healing path. Keep up the great work you are doing.