Dear Abby: Should I distance myself from my friend who suffers from depression?
A reader writes to Dear Abby seeking advice on whether to distance themselves from a long-time friend who suffers from depression, anxiety, OCD, and narcissistic traits, feeling emotionally drained by the one-sided relationship. The friend rarely inquires about the reader's life and relies heavily on them for emotional support, leading to burnout. Dear Abby advises setting boundaries and reducing availability to protect their own mental health.
- ▪The reader has supported a friend with depression, anxiety, OCD, and narcissistic tendencies for many years, often spending hours on the phone listening to their problems.
- ▪The friend cannot hold down a job, has a drinking problem, and does not reciprocate emotional support, never asking about the reader's well-being.
- ▪Dear Abby recommends the reader limit their time and emotional investment, suggesting they explain they are not scared but emotionally exhausted.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Dear Abby Lifestyle Dear Abby: Should I distance myself from my friend who suffers from depression? By Dear Abby Published May 4, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ET Dear Abby advises a person who is thinking about separating themselves from their friend who is dealing with mental issues. nenetus - stock.adobe.com DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I have known for a very long time. We bonded 10 years ago over common interests and mutual friends. Over the years, they have suffered from anxiety, depression, and OCD. In addition, they are also narcissistic, but it has never been a problem before. I have spent many a day and night on the phone with them for hours, letting them talk out their problems. I have always been supportive and empathetic, offering help or suggestions.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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