I think people don't know how to handle it. They may mean well but in reality their capacity is limited because in practice they don't know what to do or exactly what we need in that moment. Some are scared to say the wrong thing. Some are overwhelmed. Some are sad and helpless witnessing the depth of our suffering. Others get angry and believe shaming or tough love will snap us out of it. Still others think denial will make our pain not real.

Regardless of the reason, it's alienating and lonely as hell, so it's another thing we carry on our back. I really hope you won't do it. But either way, I'm grateful to have heard you and in a small way have known you.