How to tell people to leave me alone (nicely)

[Pineapples87]

Hello,
Really, really struggling and feel really overwhelmed and down today. I can't deal with much interaction at the moment outside of my immediate family (DH and DC). Don't feel up to replying to WhatsApp messages or calls from friends and relatives, don't really want to see anyone. I don't want to hurt people's feelings but how can I ask for space and to let them know that I'll contact them when I can. I don't want to disclose my depression to them. I'm embarrassed but I know I shouldn't be but even so, don't want them knowing. I feel like whatever excuse I give they will ask questions and make it more awkward and stressful!
Thanks

I'm sorry you're struggling so much today :(

Do you have to say anything? When I feel like you do I usually just wait to reply to messages.

Alternatively, you could send a group message out just saying that you're having a digital detox this bank holiday and will get back to everyone in a few days.

I would just not reply.

I like the idea of a digital detox - you could say you're setting an example to your children that devices aren't a substitute for human contact and you're going to be offline for a few days.

can you put a status on your WhatsApp that you're taking time away and will answer at some undefined time in the future.

Don’t reply. Or send a quick text saying you’re feeling under the weather and will be in touch when you’re feeling better.

💐

Just respond with sorry for not responding, I'm feeling a bit under the weather, I'll drop you a text when I'm feeling better'

Just don't answer 'phone, messages or door bell until you feel like it. It works for me.

Oh yes, I've done that too.

I lost my mobile phone towards the end of last year - for about two months. It was lovely and quiet. Then one day I found it amongst a pile of letters.

All these responses just invite further questions. I switched off the sound on my mobile phone yesterday and didn’t answer my sister’s call (I was really cross with her for something) today I phoned her and said Oh missed you call somehow, my phone was charging. Another one: I put it on silent yesterday and forgot to put it back. Or we were outside and I missed your call / txt/ what’s up whatever,
Or txt them :Out with kids and battery is very low, txt you later.

I have always wanted to run away, to go somewhere that nobody knows me. I can't see that being achieved but being difficult to contact is a small step.

The only problem I encountered when my 'phone was missing was trying to log in to places, such as a food delivery place, Barclaycard, and them wanting to text me a code to verify my identity as I hadn't used them for a while. I spent ages trying to explain by email that I could not receive texts but that did no good. Therefore in a way I was glad to find the 'phone. In other ways, not. I do have a landline in another part of the house so in an emergency I could make a call but I rarely hear it, especially if I am in the kitchen or the TV is on.

Thank you for the responses, sorry for not retuning to read them sooner. I just feel like I can't cope at the moment and seeing or speaking to others is an added pressure I don't need. I want to go back to 2011 when everything was easier! I had horrendous PND after the birth of my youngest DC and I've never fully recovered to be honest. Struggled terribly since early 2012.

Just take care of yourself, Pineapple. Don't allow anything disturbing into your life right now. Watch gentle, soothing things on TV and video, listen to meditative music on youtube, read things that interest you but are not over demanding; eat well, keep your fluid intake up and sleep when you can. No pressure.

Good luck.

Thank you much appreciated