Struggle Olympics

[drainedenergy]

I have 2 friends and one is going though some serious physical health and mental health issues. This is friend A. Myself and friend B have also had a tough few years but nothing compared to friend A. Every time friend A mentions her issues friend B chimes in comparing it to how hard she has also had it.

After a what's app chat where I offered friend A some sympathy and care, friend B called me afterwards in tears saying I never give her the same sympathy. Which I have for years but she's not currently 'in a hole' like friend A.

It's draining the LIVING SHIT out of me. It's honestly like the struggle olympics. Who has it worse!? Not really an AIBU but how the hell do you manage this.

Also I have to talk to these friends daily due to work. Does anyone have any advice?

Detach. Be sympathetic, listen but don't give it too much outside thought. I have had similar, very serious health issue then someone close gets much much worse. It shut me right up but that ensured I didn't fall apart somehow, I couldn't. Try and enjoy downtime and distraction from it all and encourage your friends to. Books, films, series, anything.

Thanks so much. It's causing a huge anxiety surge I just can't deal with it all

Aw, remember you don't have to deal with it. All you can do is listen. Just make sure you take time out.