Why do I feel like I’m a therapist to my friends?

[Anonymous]

It’s getting real annoying tbh… everyone around me now is so sensitive it’s driving me up a wall. Either I have to be the level headed mediator in a situation when someone gets angry over nothing, or be level headed and go into some introspective explanation as to why they need to quite whining about themselves. It’s like everyone’s insecurities are being projected out everywhere and I’m just like “bro can we just chill and have a good time?”

Like not even in a “let’s ignore the elephant in the room and just be happy” but legitimately! Like there is not a problem here until YOU went and created one because you feel some type of way. That’s what it’s like… these guys can’t just be bros, it’s always some whiny ass excuse or rant, or making me seem like the problem when it is in FACT, them.

What’s the deal here?

Updates

+1 y

That’s what they’re like. “Let’s pretend there isn’t a problem when there is one” and it’s this fake positivity, but when there is a problem it’s the freaking end of the world. That’s why I feel like I can’t even be honest with them.

[Smoke-n-Growls]

Oof. I hear you. I went through a phase of this too in my 20s.

Draw a boundary. Tell them you're not a therapist, you're not in the mood to problem solve, and you really just wanna hang out and chill together without having to deescalate something.

You might lose some friends, but at this point they're probably closer to patients. No big loss.

Sorry you've gotta deal with this. But it does show you care deeply about your friends, which is good. Just not that they're taking advantage of you to unload emotionally.

[itsalyssaagain]

You just have to tell them you can't do this anymore. I literally sat down with one of my friends and helped her google a therapist. I said kindly that I wanted to help as a friend but a professional would be more valuable.

[xJeremyx]

I am in the same boat, being a naturally compassionate person who is trying to develop a calm demeanor.

Honestly, if its beyong your abilities, be there for your friends, and refer them to counsellors. Ler them do the heavy lifting, and you just be there as a support through their healing journey.

Most importantly, take note of your own mental health. can't really help others if your yourself need help.

[Guy13]

Feminized Man courtesy of 1960s Communist FeministMovement. It takes 70 years for new ideas to come to fruition. Abortion is running early….

[NotTacocaT6969]

Stop trying to correct it.


Giggle, nod, say “yep” or “I know how you feel” dismiss it, toss it in the garbage, don’t address it, change the subject.


To name a few.