[lookforhope]

In the last few months, I have withdrawn from my friends and acquaintances, because they are exhausting me.

I have been really into spending time by myself. the only human contact I have are my co-workers (who I do not hang out with outside of work), and my boyfriend (who hasn't been home, was in and out of mental hospital), plus the boyfriend's mom and dad (who live an hour away from me, and only text me)

I used to be bummed out when I get on facebook and see how everyone's hanging out with each other, but now I don't feel that way. In fact, I am planning on a one person hike to celebrate my birthday.

At this point, I can honestly say that I am in the process of 'breaking up' with the friends I was once close with. I am not sure if I am planning on making new friends either. I know in my current situation (diagnosed with anxiety, in a rocky relationship with someone with major depression), I should have friends for support, but I just can't bring myself to be around friends right now. Is this weird? Bad? Has this happened to anyone else?

[CantExplain]

Are you in therapy?

[Leed]

I think I know how you feel. Sometimes it's just too exhausting to be around people, and we need some "alone" time. Getting pulled in all different directions can be mentally exhausting. But you DON'T want to become a hermit -- it's not healthy to be alone ALL time time.

Perhaps you could just take a "vacation" from your friends, but not 'break up' with them. You don't want to cut all ties to everyone -- you will find yourself needing someone and there won't be anyone there.

Please take care of yourself -- and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[SophiaG]

Don't burn bridges, keep in contact with your friends. Then, if you want them back in your life they will still be there.

[beauflow]

Ya know a few years ago i "broke" away from friends-- all of them, -makes laugh to think, I even had a party to say I was breaking away, I was shocked how many actually showed up for that.. I was moving miles away but in the same state but still.... But face book is my contact with them- it surprises me how many of them after 5 years are so wanting to see me... the thing is, yes they wore me out mentally- with my own issues with human beings they wore me out- so in the end I wore myself out... but agree don't burn bridges.

At times I am sad that I have not seen them in so long, but at the same time I fear we are so "grown apart" that we don't know each other any more- or that some/many never really even knew me.

Oh and I did not make friends with new, I made worker friends that are strickly work- besides my boyfriend of almost 3 years now, which we work together and hooked up after a few years of working with one another but that is some what a strange story

IDK If that relates to you at all-- but I do agree - don't burn bridges-- do your thing that makes you happy.

[PityPartyof1]

Sometimes breaking is necessary. It's a growing pain. And yes, I've been there. Every day I wake go to work, come home study, go to gym, come home, sleep and repeat. My cell phone normally stays in the kitchen drawer. Noone calls. Noone texts. I've done an EXCELLENT job of detaching myself from other people, but mainly because I had to go through some personal changes and I felt like I wasn't up to every one else's speed of achievement. Rather than submit myself to feelings of resentment, guilt shame etc., I just backed up put things in perspective and took some good ol fashioned "me time" ...and I think that's all you're doing. You need it!

[faerie_moon_x]

I have withdrawn before many times. I have also 'broken up' with friends before, but usually because they were toxic. But sometimes everyone needs to be alone.

My advice is it is good to withdraw sometimes but don't break up with your friends entirely unless they are toxic. Toxic friends are way worse than no friends.