Feeling drained- should i let go of my depressed friend?

[Sunlit Clouds]

My friend and I are long distance friends. We only chat on facebook and once on skype. We've been friends for over 3 years. What started out as me supporting them through their depression has slowly drained me and im starting to have anxiety and feel sad myself. I am usually a positive person-i still am. It's just that i feel drained after chatting with them. I feel like i should leave the friendship but unsure how to. My anxiety and panic attacks get triggered just thinking about leaving as i very much care about how they will take it and how they will respond.

My question is.. should i just talk less and less or just leave cold turkey after telling them my reasons and then blocking them right after so i am not tempted and emotionally manipulated into staying? I just feel like my well-being has already deteriorated somewhat.

 

[Southernscotty]

Have you been praying for this individual? I would pray and seek God on this matter intensely.

 

[baileyf14]

My friend and I are long distance friends. We only chat on facebook and once on skype. We've been friends for over 3 years. What started out as me supporting them through their depression has slowly drained me and im starting to have anxiety and feel sad myself. I am usually a positive person-i still am. It's just that i feel drained after chatting with them. I feel like i should leave the friendship but unsure how to. My anxiety and panic attacks get triggered just thinking about leaving as i very much care about how they will take it and how they will respond.

My question is.. should i just talk less and less or just leave cold turkey after telling them my reasons and then blocking them right after so i am not tempted and emotionally manipulated into staying? I just feel like my well-being has already deteriorated somewhat.

Friendships can be difficult sometimes. Have you tried opening up to them about what you are going through? Maybe they can help you like you helped them. Friends can often help so much in a tough situation. Also, I would pray about it and God will show you what is best. I hope everything works out!

 

[jacks]

This is a difficult situation. Some people are very "high maintenance" and can literally suck the joy out of you. In a sense as they complain, they feel better and you feel worse. It is like a transfer of depression. You are lucky they are long distance friends and not family! My advice (besides prayer which is the most crucial) is to treat it like any care giving situation. That is you must keep yourself healthy first or you do no one any good. HERE is a good site about that. You must first take responsibility for your own care. This may sound selfish, but it is actually the best way to help others.

Praying for you.