To not text my friends today?

[Imsuchamess]

I have a few friends two rl two online who know I am really mentally I'll (psychotic depressive episode) at the moment between the four of them I have had constant support. They text or message me when they can and as dh works long hours keep me company. I am very grateful for the support they give me.

But today I just don't feel like chatting. I don't feel up to it. So I messaged them this morning, saying "I feel really ill today, don't feel up to talking, please don't text me till tomorrow I am not suicidal". I messaged them as they start to panic if I don't respond to texts, phone calls and I've had two suicide attempts since Christmas.

Well all of them have been texting pleading that I talk to them, they are worried e.t.c.

I feel really bad that they are scared but I just need to be left alone today. I can't face them and I am too ill to talk. But I feel guilty.

Aibu to have refused to text them today given that I am causing them a lot of worry?

No YANBU but did you need to text them to start with? You can just have a quiet day if you want it, surely? Otherwise it sounds a bit like the lines may be a bit blurred and they're around/in contact a bit too much?

Are you in hospital? If so, simply explain the situation to the nurse and ask her to confiscate your phone for a few days. Say you need some space to quietly reflect on the issues discussed with someone or other. I've been in those places and they always have mysterious reasons for doing everything, so one more unusualness (down to a doctor's recommendation in some meeting) will be acceptable.

If you're at home I imagine there's probably a nurse in the community seeing you regularly. If you get on with her, why not ask her to spend two minutes on the phone with each of your friends, verifying that you're ok and this 'no phone' day is actually a good idea.

Thanks both somedizzy if I don't reply to texts they start to panic. They start getting really worried I have done something so I sent the text to let them know I was okay and to try and stop them worrying.

Thank you wouldbemedic I am at home but crisis give me regular calls to check how I am.

Could your DH text them on your behalf? A group text along the lines of "Hi, Imsucha's DH here. She's really grateful for your support and kind thoughts but just isn't up to making contact herself at the minute. She's looking forward to catching up with you when she's feeling a bit better. Thanks for being so understanding."

My DH has a MH disability and has spells when he just needs to withdraw, so I understand how communication, even friendly and caring communication, can seem like a huge pressure.

Hope this episode passes quickly

That's a good idea selectausername

I can see why alarm bells would ring for them to receive that text out of the blue so it where.

If I were you I would have just waited and if someone messages or text me just say. I'm not feeling great today so I'm resting, I will message, text ( or what ever) tomorrow.

I think for now just send a quick reply saying 'I'm okay honestly, just want a bit of quiet time to myself today, no need to worry'; as I can see why they are concerned.

In future I would maybe suggest that if you want a quiet day and they message you just to say something along the lines of 'sorry can't talk at the mo, will be in touch tomorrow' as it's a way of effectively stopping the conversation for the day without raising as much concern.

I agree with KitKat. To be honest OP, you have supportive friends and they would probably be happy with that basic text. You're able to post on here... can you not send them that text? They are your lifelines.

I have had similar episodes in the past where I have had days of zero contact and spent the day being hounded with text messages, phone calls, Facebook messages, etc. It's frustrating but I also know it's only because they care. I agree with PP who suggested getting your DH to contact them and let them know that you are ok but you need your space.

Hope you're ok

I think the sentiment was fine, but in all honesty you could've handled it in a slightly less dramatic/anxiety-inducing way for your friends' sake. If they genuinely care they can't just switch it on and off.

Something like "Slept badly- going for a long nap" would've been far better all round really.