Dealing with a super sensitive friend: Advice?

[Marie5890]

Any advice would be appreciated.

I have a friend who is super sensitive and anxiety riddled. They are aware of this, too. So that is not a problem.
The challenge that has emerged is she is going thru a legitimate hard time right now, and, understandably, needs support.

As a friend, I am trying to give her that support, but I can’t fix anything. She gets emotionally needy, it’s just that kind of person she is, and I understand that. I am not able to give her everything she needs, not even the high degree of emotional support. There are other people in my life as well, and sometimes I just sense that my energy is being tapped out.

She is in my prayers every day. I chat with her a couple of times a week. But she seems hurt that I am not there even more.

Any advice? I don’t dismiss her pain, her suffering, or her needs. I validate what she is experiencing and I listen. But it doesn’t seem to be enough, and I simply have no idea of how to deal with this, moving forward.

 

[CRATUS]

She needs to learn to be independent and take care of herself. You have your own life and honestly you can only do so much. Pray for her to find strength. Cut off the amount of time you invest in herself. Maybe she needs professional help. Does she have other friends

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Has she said that she is hurt that she doesn’t feel you are spending enough time with her on her issues?

Maybe you can ask her what is the best thing you can do for her. Maybe she wants someone to actually be with her, and maybe you can decide how much time you are able to devote to that. Maybe you can text her some mornings, just to let her know that you are thinking about her. I’m not sure exactly what she is looking for, but those are my suggestions.

 

[Legend]

If you’re not a professional, you should NOT be dealing with her problems. You can be her friend, listen to her problems, but just tell her the truth…that you are not a trained counselor, and you can possibly even harm her with the wrong advice.

Offer to help find a good counselor, if you know any, and make sure she sees her doctor. Many emotional problems can be helped with the right combination of medication and therapy

Whatever she does with your advice, don’t stop praying for her. If she won’t see a professional, don’t try to do more than you are trained to. Be her friend, but don’t try to do things only a professional can.

 

[Marie5890]

Thanks so much you guys.
Yes, I needed that reality check. And in someways, I just may be harming her more than helping her by enabling.

I do think she needs some professional help, or at least, she may find that very helpful. I think by being always available to her, that may, inadvertently, keeping her from seeking such health.

Thanks again. And yes, I will continue to pray for her.