Can friends give support?

@SunshineGirlie omg I have this same feeling, like how do you know whats allowed and what's too much without explicitly asking?

@SunshineGirlie "a friend in need is a friend indeed". I love this saying a lot. A friend is supposed to be there for us and viceversa. Mutual support, love and respect. It is in tough times do we know who our true friends are.

So, I suggest not to over think this and just share what you can with who you consider a good friend and see how it goes. Unless you open up, you will never know how your friends feel about it.

Be cool and chill 😊

@SunshineGirlie

I think friends want to be there for us and support us, especially in times of need.

A good friend will tell us if they feel unequipped to handle a heavy issue.

It's about a kind balance for me and maybe reaching out to a support line and then sharing their advice and responses with a good friend 🩷

@SunshineGirlie

In the past it was friends who often filled this need for us.

Not all friends are equal some can be trusted and can provide insight, and some cannot. you need to distinguish between because I made the mistake and have confided in some and they were not trustworthy. The ones who want you to tell all are often not the people who you should tell unless you want it shared with others.   

Real friends know if topic is too serious and may need some professional guidance.   Friends can help us see things we had not considered on many basic even weird thoughts. I am not even sure how my best friend and I evolved to be able to talk of anything, but we did.  We sometimes approached conversations on questioning each other on perspectives on a subject in hypotheticals.   that opened a conversation.  

@SunshineGirlie

Best friends can support you in difficult moments. Since you don’t know how much can you entrust it might be wise to try a little bit at a time. Admitting to feeling heavy and watching the reactions and how they treat you later. You don’t need to share everything at once.

@SunshineGirlie-Your questions show that you care deeply about your own survival as well as the well being of your friends. 1. is it normal to talk about heavy stuff like not wanting to be here: Yes, completely normal. When emotional pain feels like too much, the mind looks for an escape. You are not alone in having these late night thoughts and wanting someone to reach out to. 2. Is it too much pressure on friends: Friendships are meant for mutual support. It becomes too much pressure when we expect our friend to act like a therapist. 3. Where is the line between support and dependency: Support is sharing how you feel, so you don't feel alone. Dependency happens when we rely on someone to keep us afloat or solve our problems. A healthy balance can look like talking to a good friend, using an online community like 7 cups, and confiding in a therapist.  4. How do you even bring it up: I think the best way is to ask for permission first. Let them know that you are feeling overwhelmed and having dark thoughts. Let them know they don't have to fix anything, and then ask them if they are in a place emotionally where they can listen. This gives your friend a safe out if they are depleted, and lets them know what you need from them. 5. Who will be awake late at night, and will they get tired of me: Well...maybe. It really depends on them, and that may be a conversation to have with a friend, so you both know the other's boundaries and availabilities. Even professional therapists advise clients of their availability, and what to do in a crisis.  But, this is why platforms like 7 Cups, Hotlines, and community threads exist. These spaces are open 24/7 with listeners who are specifically there becasue they want to listen. You never have to worry about wearing them out. I hope this helps a little. Your life matters. It is a big, meaningful step that you reached out to share these thoughts here. Keep holding on.