Would you say you're previous friends and colleagues shunned you once they learned of your health issues or

[chloe40]

Were they really supportive?

It used to be the former, people just disappeared and didn't want to know but this has been changing in recent times.

What's your experience?

[Dolphin14]

This is a great question. You are right, many people stepped away from someone with mental health issues in years past. We were considered " tabu" to some.

I'm happy to say everyone stood by me. They may not have understood completely but they supported ma and surrounded me with their love.

What happened in your life?

❤️🐬

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Dolphin14]

I’m really pleased about that Dolphin14

I was going to say how lucky you were but it’s not a question of luck but love!

Me, we all of my siblings disappeared, as did my Mum when I was suffering anxiety and depression and it hurt like hell, in fact I’m welling up at the memory of it, that’s how hurt I was xx

[Dolphin14 in reply to chloe40]

Chloe

I'm so sorry that happened to you. It makes me sad because you are such a kind hearted soul.

I think if my mother was alive at that time she would have shamed me.

Sending you a big hug

❤️❤️

[chloe40 Administrator]

Thank you Dolphin14

🫂x

[PurpleEllie]

I can honestly say that I have no friends, and as I work from home due to other health issues, no colleagues either. For a lot of years this was at least partly down to me not wanting close contact with anyone. I had a very strict religious upbringing and it really damaged me. As with you Chloe, my family abandoned me. So incredibly hurtful and painful. They put their religion ahead of me. I also struggle with being touched and always have. So called friends in the past have used me for their own ends and disappeared as soon as I wasn’t useful to them anymore. Others have been instrumental in having me sectioned. When I married I inherited my husband’s friends, but they are not mine and I would not have chosen them as my friends. I am glad that you are now finding people who care enough about you to be supportive. Long may it continue.

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hi PurpleEllie

It truly is a horrible feeling inside when our own families don't want to care for us in our time of need.

You've really been through it Ellie, what awful so called friends the were, I'm so sorry you had to endure that, so awful for you.

I was told you can count your true friends on one hand, but I don't believe that. I can't say I have any friends, only good neighbours and I'm thankful for them.

I'm sorry your husband expected you to feel the same as he does about his friends, it just doesn't work does it.

Please look after yourself Ellie, always here for you x