Am I just a jerk?
 

I have major anxiety issues, ptsd and easily get over stimulated by noise and light because of a traumatic brain injury. With all of these issues I have my own coping methods and manifestation of anxiety.

I have been noticing that this past 2 weeks my roommate is now doing some of the same things. She never did them before not even the week after her attempt.

I feel like she is copying my issues for attention.

She follows me from room to room but she doesn't want to talk or do what I'm doing. She's just there moping and being overly sad. Like a black hole sucking the light out of the room.

I am struggling with being patient and understanding. I just feel annoyed and drained when I'm around her.

I don't think you're a jerk, you're just trying to protect yourself. But I hope you you try to talk to your roommate about these feelings. As long as you're trying to be supportive, that's all anyone can ask of you. And if she doesn't want to open up to you, you can't force her to. Just let her know that you are there if she needs you, but that it also takes both people's participation to help her get better. She has to know that she can't just follow you around and expect you to fix her. I'm sure you're doing everything you can to help.

Hi there,
I wrote a lot on your other threads here, but just wanted to say one bit again... I wonder if she's always been this way or if this is absolutely totally different behaviour that your friend is showing. I hope she's still seeing someone for counselling. Having said that, I hope you have some support systems of your own under these difficult circumstances at home.

You take care there. Sounds such a very tough situation to be dealing with right from the start. ugh.

Hi mbrook,
Take care of yourself first...

This situation, from what I've read here and on the other threads , is crushing you and is very toxic for you.

I know its difficult but you may have to find a way to remove yourself from living together ... its like that saying: "stuck between a rock and a hard place"....

Sometime there just isn't a script to follow. We just have to listen to our gut instinct.

:hug: Addy

I think I may be in over my head. But I feel very guilty for being overwhelmed.

She has been there for me during my TBI recovery and I want to be there for her but its just turning into to much.

Her parents keep thanking me for being her friend. There is just soooo much pressure. I worry that if I move she won't be able to handle it and I will just be running away and am a bad friend.

She is in treatment and on meds but it just doesn't seem to be getting better. Her IOP program will be over soon and I am living in fear that she will never go back to work and will be home all the time mopping and following me.