How do I explain my disappearance/ghosting to people?

[strugglingsimba]

I cut off all communication with everyone I used to talk to (online)and went isolated 6 months ago when I started getting severely depressed again. In my mind its either I ctb and it all won't matter or I recover and it will be easier to open up then. Lately, I've been feeling guilty about this and as much as I want to reach out, I can't because i don't know what to say because its not my first time going ghost without an explanation for so long. I haven't gotten any better in fact lately its been getting much harder, feels like I have to open up my about suicidal intentions or not reach out to them at all

 

[Hollowman]

Be careful what you say to them unless you want to risk ending up in a psych ward.

 

[westerly_merlin]

I went offline when I had my attempt, I even changed my phone number and social media accounts. TBH I found it liberating being cut off. There were loads of people who I either didn't want to hear from or were triggering my emotional responses.

Since then I have carefully chosen who I reconnect with, I have told each one the bare minimum, that I went through a hard time and I am sorry I have not been in touch. 90% of the people accepted this and were happy to hear from me again. The other 10% - well fuck em, they are not able to accept me and my troubles so I din't need them in my life.

 

[orpheus_]

I have been in a similar situation. It's an awkward position to be in, really. But if there's anything in you that wants to feel a little better or even just speak to those people again, I think it's worth trying to contact them.

You can tell them that you have been going through a really hard time in your life. Apologize for not speaking to them for so long, and reassure them it's nothing personal towards them. People who are worth it will understand.

Well opening up about being suicidal will not always put you in a psych ward, but yes, you need to be very careful, and do not speak about plans/having the means unless you are 100% sure that person is "safe". Most people will listen to you and not panic if you make the impression that "your life is not in danger". Still talking to someone can really help, there are people out there who care and will just try to support you even if they don't get it. I don't know if the people you know are like this, but there's a high chance they are especially if you have known each other for some time.

 

[Cansado_Depressivo]

I do that too. I usually disappear from people's lives without a trace. I don't understand why I do it. It's not out of malice. It just happens. For example, today I no longer have any friends. I disappeared from the lives of all my friendships. And although I still have some on social media, I ignore any attempt at contact from them. Anyway, see this moment of yours as an opportunity to be selective about who you do or don't want to reconnect with. Maybe that will help you.