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What to do about someone I care about who is depressed

User Profile: orangeSkies8476
orangeSkies8476 September 24th, 2020

I am not sure what the best place for this kind of thing is but basically I've had an online relationship with someone for about a year who struggles with depression and anxiety. They have their ups and downs but it sounds like things are probably the worst since I've known them lately. I didn't hear from them for a couple of months and said I miss them the other night. We talked a bit, things seemed normal and they said they'd talk more the next day. Most of the next day goes by and I got kind of upset and asked if they want rid of me (since we haven't talked in so long and they didn't talk to me after saying they would and so on). They said it wasn't me and that they were dealing with a lot of things in their life (which is true, it sounds like they are living in a toxic environment and are caring for a kid). We talked a bit more about the situation and they also said they ignore most of their friends and family's calls and texts too because they're depressed. Eventually they said they will not be available for some time due to depression and caretaking duties for the child they care for. Maybe it was melodramatic of me and I shouldn't have but I guess I've been struggling a bit too (I'm sure I'm not as severely depressed as they are, but I'm quite lonely with the restrictions due to the virus and it's hard not talking to someone I care about for long periods of time) so I asked for reassurance that they would get back in touch when they could. They said they didn't know if they would. Hurt by that one I asked if they still had feelings for me and they said "I don't know. I have been depressed so I haven't been able to feel much"

Gaps in our conversations have been normal and they usually come back, apologize, and explain that they were depressed but always maintain that they want me. This is the first time they have said anything like this (during the conversation on the previous day they said they "think about me"). Of course I regret pressing the issue at this point but unfortunately I already did. Should I cease contact or apologize at some point for asking them these things while depressed? How long should I wait if so? Is it possible someone would say this while depressed and not mean it? Have I lost this person forever?

3
User Profile: Pretzelsandchocolate
Pretzelsandchocolate October 1st, 2020

@orangeSkies8476

It is impossible to know what is truly going on with someone, or what the future holds. (Although it might make life easier!)

I have also gone through long periods of time where I stop communicating with friends and family. What was helpful to me during those periods were the friends that dropped little messages, with no pressure for me to reply. Just something short, and maybe funny. A fun memory, something funny they saw or heard that day, or even just saying they were glad I was still on the planet.

Don't be upset if you don't get a reply, depression can last a long time.

User Profile: Andy993
Andy993 October 1st, 2020

Hi my name is Andy in New to 7 cups started today it's really a nice thing this 7 cups has going on for others. I hope I'm doing this right...

1 reply
User Profile: Andy993
Andy993 October 1st, 2020

Depression is definitely a wild rollercoaster ride. I've been dealing w it for the better part of 30 yrs it's tuff sometimes especially when you have no one to talk to who would understand

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