how much sadness is too much sadness for others to handle?

[path_to_nowhere]

I get extremely ashamed about my depression. I go to great lengths to pretend like i am fine around my friends and family. I am afraid of coming off as annoying or boring. when I'm with friends, I don't want to ruin their good time, so I stay at home. I guess my question is, how much sadness is acceptable before it gets annoying

[Hidden]

I understand why you don't feel like you want to burden your friends with your sadness and you don't want to drive them away, however, a real true friend is going to be there for you in good times and not so good times. A good friend like that is worth dozens of the other superficial friendships. Look for someone who seems like they can know you on a deeper level, just don't dump everything on them at once.

[path_to_nowhere in reply to Hidden]

Hi! Thank you for the reply. It's quality over quantity, isn't it? And baby steps towards being able to talk about these issues, without overwhelming myself. Thank you again!

[pink318]

Hi- Your post reminds me of my friend who was diagnosed with anxiety. She was hesitant to tell me that she is going through this because she’s ashamed. I told her, having mental illness is the same as having physical illness like cancer, diabetes, etc. I told her that it’s okay to take medications if you need to. During our life group she courageously shared that she’s experiencing panic attacks almost everyday and she needs prayer. I send her messages and prayers almost everyday to encourage her.

"How much sadness is acceptable before it gets annoying.” A real friend loves at all times and will stay with you in all seasons of life, in good times and bad times.

I’m so sorry to hear that you feel this way. Feel free to share anytime. I hope you will find comfort here. You are not alone. Please stay strong. God bless.

[path_to_nowhere in reply to pink318]

Hi! Thank you for the reply. Everyone needs a friend like you! I will definitely keep this in mind. This made me feel so much better

[path_to_nowhere]

Heyy, thanks for the reply. When I'm more open about my mental illness, i find that people are more averse to being my friend. Because, after all, who wants to be friends with a mentally ill person? This feeds into a sort of negative feedback loop, where my loneliness triggers symptoms more often, and my symptoms worsens my loneliness. And it feels inescapable

[Hidden]

Hi, hope life is ok for you as i write.. i am just now trying to compose a message for my past therapist who knows all my stuff. But I'm struggling to send request to start therapy again because I'm afraid that all I'm going to take to therapy is more sadness. I suppose i just want to bring them good news but that isn't my current experience. I've already fished to see if they would be ok to contact them and they have left the door open to communicate. I have opened up to one friend who i had pushed away and he is an allie. I think a lot of my difficulty stems from lack of trust and lack of self worth.