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seagulContributor
Hello can anyone shed some light on pushing people away it never feels right and yet I find that I do it all the time as a self protection mode. Why does it seem to be a common practice are there times when this is wise? It can't always be wrong. Is it possible to do this without wrecking relationships and hurting loved ones
In response to: pushing people away
TeejSenior Contributor
Hi 👋🏻 @seagul and welcome to the forum. 😊
Ive been asking myself similar questions lately. I’ve pushed good friends away for a few years now. I’ve always had in the back of my mind that one day I’ll rekindle those friendships. I don’t know if it is possible yet but I don’t feel ready to either.
I think its a protective mechanism like you said. As for family I know there are times when they’ve been hurt by my isolating. Over time though I think my family began to understand better when I was pushing away. Over the last 6 months I have started to communicate better with them rather than just shutting them out. It’s helped as I can have the time I need to myself when things are hard and they understand better and give me the space.
I dont really know what the future holds with relationships and friendships but I’m just taking it one day at a time and know at some point I’ll try again.
Im not sure if this helps. I just wanted to say hi and that I experience something similar in regards to relationships.
In response to: Re: pushing people away
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
@seagul Hi
I have mixed feelings about it too. Sometimes it seems like its the "boundaries" that people go on about. Sometimes its self protective as I often need to be calm and quiet to centre and regroup. Sometimes its just anger. Sometimes those people may have stepped over a line .... ??? I guess it all depends .... sorry not much light ... but its a good question.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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