I'm being ignored because of my depression?

[Luka-chan]

I'm in year 12 at school and my teachers are trying to make it an easy year for me because I'm struggling.

Two of my friends have been outrightly ignoring me in English and Religion because I have been getting 'special privileges'. They suggest I drop out of school and go to TAFE instead, but I want to finish year 12 before I try TAFE.

Being ignored by them is only worsening my depression, but I don't want to tell them that because they'll only say that I'm saying it to make them feel bad or because I'm too soft or something like that.

I've been friends with them for years, I don't know why they're treating me like this now. I want to keep up our friendship, but in English and Religion at school they've been horrible to me.

What do I do? They're making me want to skip English and Religion.

[geoff]

dear Luka-chan, perhaps these two friends aren't real friends at all but just acquaintances, because true friends stick by each other, and these 2 aren't doing this at all, so I would suggest you do what you what to do and not be influenced on WHAT they want you to do.

There seems to be some reason why they are doing this, but try and ignore whatever they say, and will these 2 be supporting you in a years time, that's a big question you have to answer, but my guess is they won't.

I don't want to discourage you from seeing them, however would they take any advice you have to offer them, I presume not, so you do what you feel is the best for your future, because in the end it's 2 to 1 on that they will just disappear from your life.

Friends are true friends and will HELP as much as they can, and not no as what they want you to do. Geoff.

[Doolhof]

Hi Luka-chan,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thanks for sharing your story here with us.

Year 12 can be a very difficult time in life for some of us, even without having depression and friends who just don't seem to understand what is happening.

Can you explain that you are needing the extra help and attention due to not feeling ill? How do you think your friends will react to that? Are they aware that you are struggling?

Please do not give up English or Religion because of the way your friends are treating you. As Geoff mentioned, will your friends be there with you forever? Completing English and Religion will be more important than friends whom you might not see after the end of your schooling.

Are there counsellors at your school whom you can talk to? Your teacher is already aware of how you need help, maybe the teacher can offer you some advice on how to cope?

Can you invite your friends to join you somewhere after school for a social gathering, away from class and all that school entails and see how they treat you there.

I'd like to encourage you to try and finish year 12 and to reach out to receive all the help you can to achieve this goal.

Let us know how you are getting on, cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[sarahlouise4]

Hi Luke,

Being ignored is one of the hardest things to cope with when all you want it support at this point in your life when dealing with depression. I too was left out and even the bullied one having nasty rumors made about when I was suffering in high school  

 I know it's hard but distancing yourself is the best thing you can do. You need to take the time to be selfish and focus on you, your health and school work. If you want to finish school . Finish school! It's your life for only you to control and make the decisions of. 

You may in the future be friends but you may also realise that a true friend will be by your side regardless of the situation  

have a think... Take the time to focus on you  the benefits are rewarding