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Managing relationships

Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

I’m not sure if this is something I have already made a post about before but I really feel like I’m having a hard time with it right now and would appreciate some advice. Just for some context: I started struggling with anxiety around age 14 and probably depression when I was about 16 and I’m now 20. My twin sister was hospitalised for anorexia when I was 15 but she was in a pretty bad state for quite a few years before that. She’s also had her own struggles with adhd and low moods (not really sure if it’s depression or not) and so a lot of my parents and my other sisters and just everyone’s attention was understandably put onto my sister. I’m not mad about this at all but it did put me in a position where I literally didn’t talk about any of those struggles to anyone for years and still don’t to my family. I really only talk to my therapist at the moment. We are working on opening up more in therapy but with my social anxiety it’s just a long process. Anyway the actual thing: I have a friend who I have recently become close to who has ocd and anxiety and it often I guess is something that affects her mood quite a lot. She always says that I am always attune to her needs and really help her when she need it but recently I’ve honestly been feeling really triggered being her emotional support person. It feels like my sister again and I feel like there’s no space for me. She’s even said before than when she’s upset she can’t handle other people’s issues but even if I’ve had a bad day I’ll find a way to make space for my friends. I guess sometimes I feel frustrated cause I know I deal with everything myself and I just get annoyed that other people don’t. I know that’s horrible of me and not healthy and maybe her problems are worse than mine but it’s how I feel. I have never expressed this frustration to her but I just don’t want it to boil over and I’m honestly sick of never feeling understood or seen. I know I need to make space for myself but sometimes I wish I had someone who could make space for me. Anyway I’m not really sure exactly what I’m asking for but any advice or tips would be appreciated. Sorry I know it’s a long one.

29 replies

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In response to: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

It's such an amazing start. Often, people start to even raise the conversation and they may not be used to it. But the fact that you were able to share that you weren't feelnig the best ensured there wasn't any fault-finding or blaming.

Our gut tends to tell us whether it's the 'right' time to share what you need to or wait. Sometimes, we may need a bit of encouragement, but you will know when you can or can't share.

I look forward to hearing how the therapy session goes. I hope you will be able to get some things off your chest, or to even just have a sounding board for your thoughts.

Well done @Tarmac_6

Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you!

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Hey @tyme, not sure if I should or not but I thought I’d let you know how therapy went. It was an emotional session but good as it brought up a lot of unresolved feelings from the past that we’re going to start to work through. It was nice to be validated and be told that none of my feelings were wrong and she reminded me that taking one night off to look after myself isn’t letting anyone down. Still a long way to go but definitely a good start.

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

ditto @Tarmac_6

Thank you so so sooo much for reaching out and sharing a little update about how your session went.

Sometimes, it's these sessions that really help us reflect on what we are currently doing well and waht we co do to move forward.

How are you feeling after the session? Do you have another session booked in?

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

I’m feeling good @tyme, a little bit overwhelmed with my emotions but overall ok. And yes I do, I’m going fortnightly at the moment 🙂

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Does it help to write a few things down between sessions? @Tarmac_6

Sometimes, between sessions, I used to get this feeling, "Ooo! I need to speak to my therapist".. then by the time it's my appointment, I forget.

How has the boundary-setting been going for you?

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Yeah I think I need to write down stuff and I have been trying to. My psychologist said that she wanted me too as well. I sort of explained how I had been feeling but didn’t say exactly why to my friend as I thought that was the best way to go about it and she’s definitely being a bit more aware. I think it’s just all a process and I can notice how it’s affecting me now at least without trying to push it down and pretend it doesn’t exist. I really appreciate you continually checking in on me. @tyme

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

I'm glad i have the privilege of checking in with you @Tarmac_6

Thinking back to my own MH journey, it was important I had people around me who would check-in once in a while. It can really boost someone's spirits.

I'm mindful that what's going on for you is a journey. It is not a quick fix.

I really hope the connection you feel is helpful. Please let us know if it's not helpful as we wouldn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable.

As for communicating with your friend, I guess it's about sharing what you are comfortable with but also being okay that you don't have to share everything.

I hope writing down some quick notes will be helpful for you.

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Hey @tyme, it definitely helps Thankyou! I feel less alone to be honest. I hope I’m not oversharing too much though 🙂

In response to: Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Re: Managing boundaries and triggers with friends.

Share what you are comfortable with. If you have questions about what you can/can't share, you can refer to our guidelines or ask us at team@saneforums.org

@Tarmac_6

I used to be a regular member on these forums. There were times when I needed staff to guide my posting because I'd unintentionally posted in breach of guidelines. So look, it happens sometimes, but the moderators will guide you 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing. I responded to you in your new thread about how you feel at the moment.

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