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My depression became too much for my friends - need to vent (Salam)

Assalamu alaikum, sorry if this is a bit raw but I needed to get this out somewhere I feel safe. I’ve been struggling with depression since I was 13 and used to self-harm. A few months ago I even attempted suicide. I didn’t tell the doctor because I’m still considered a minor. I was at my lowest point - waking up each morning and spending an hour debating ways to end my life. I really needed someone to talk to who would keep it private. Before school one day I messaged a few friends about how I was feeling. One of them was incredibly kind and said I could always talk to her - may Allah bless her. The other two reactions hurt. The second girl, who I’d known for about five years, said my depression was just “seasonal” based on the vibes she got, even after I told her I’d sought medical help. The third just said “I understand,” like I’d made a confession. Is it unreasonable that those replies felt so half-hearted? I trusted friend 2 enough to tell her about my self-harm. In hindsight I don’t know why I expected anything different - you can’t force someone to care. Two months later the group dynamic changed and I started getting excluded. My depression made me less lively - I’m normally loud and chatty - so maybe I came off as boring. I’d sit there for half an hour being ignored while everyone else talked, and end up asking every so often what they were discussing. That happened even as recently as last week. After meetups I’d cry because I felt worthless and thought I was unbearable company. Maybe they were avoiding my sadness. Maybe I should’ve kept quiet about how I felt and pretended everything was okay so I wouldn’t be labeled “that sad person.” Anyway, I cut ties yesterday and brought up specific times I felt excluded and how it affected my mental health. Friend 2 said I should tell friend 3 in a gentler way because my reasons allegedly gave her “sensory overload.” I apologised for bringing it up, which I now think was a mistake. I don’t know if I did the right thing by stepping away. I just wanted friends who would notice when I was hurting and not make me feel worse. Any advice or words of comfort would mean a lot. JazākAllāhu khayr.

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Comments

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That “sensory overload” excuse is so invalidating. You weren’t dramatic for speaking up. Protect your energy, and maybe write down what you need from friends so future conversations are clearer.

+17
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I’m so sorry you went through that. It’s okay to choose people who truly listen. Maybe keep a small circle and consider talking to a counsellor who can keep confidentiality safe even as a minor - some services do.

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Salaam sis, sending you a big hug. You did the brave thing by speaking up and protecting your wellbeing. People who shut down or gaslight aren’t worth that emotional labour. Take time for yourself and lean on the one friend who was kind - she sounds genuine.

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Oh hun, been there. It hurts so much when friends act like it’s nothing. You’re not overreacting. Boundaries were needed. Give yourself credit for leaving a toxic situation - that’s strong.

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JazakAllah for sharing this, brave of you. Isolation is brutal but stepping away can make room for kinder people. If you ever need to vent, reach out here - you’re not alone.

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Girl, you did the right thing. If they can’t sit with your pain, they don’t deserve the good parts of you either. Don’t apologise for asking to be treated like a human.

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