Is it okay to unfollow an (old) friend on social media because they trigger your anxiety?
Before I begin **trigger warning: mental health, talks of suicide will be mentioned**
As the title says it. I am currently thinking about unfollowing this person as what they post has been triggering a lot of my anxiety. I do not really speak to this person as much as I used to, but we were once close and this person has me on all lists such as private snap story, close friends on IG, and finsta. They have been posting a lot of concerning talk about ending their life and all that. I am also a person who struggles with mental health. Lately this person has been posting a lot regarding that topic and I’ve even reached out twice in two separate incidents, but the messages I sent were never read/ignored.
It has gotten to the point where this person was actually sent to the ER because of those things mentioned. They are fortunately okay, and they keep posting about it on their private feeds that I am still (questioningly) a part of.
I know that they do not owe me a response, I get that. I also really wish this person the best, but reading the posts has honestly had me on edge the last few days and noticed that my anxiety was through the roof and I want to take care of my own health as well. Should I feel guilty about unfollowing this person? I also follow a family member of theirs as we used to also speak, so I’d probably have to do something about that as well. Any suggestions would definitely help thank you!
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14 Answers
Yes. Unfollow. Don’t unfriend.
I’m sorry you’re struggling. Hugs.
If this is on Facebook, you can snooze them for 30 days. I’m sorry to say I don’t know about the other platforms.
There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. You are to be commended for that.
All the best to you.
Yep. I do that all the time.
They don’t know that you’ve unfollowed them @Jeruba, unless they are particularly astute.
Unfriending them is glaringly obvious.
I unfollowed my DIL because I was afraid she would take everything I posted personally.
If you unfollow her though, you just don’t see her posts. She can still see yours unless you block/unfriend or unless she blocks/unfollows/unfriends you.
But OP, if it is causing you so much stress, please get rid of them on social media in one way or another. You need to stay healthy!
Why do you need permission from a bunch of strangers? Unfollow anyone you want to. You don’t have to discuss it.
Well that works for the OPS purpose @Jeruba.
Unfollow and try not to feel guilty. The beauty of social media sites is that you can tailor them – tailor what you see and how you see it – to your needs and wants. So unfollow her and if she is too aggressive about it, then block or unfriend.
@Dutchess_III If you unfriend anayone, tey won’t know unless they go looking for you and find you missing. It is not obvious. Facebook does not send or post an unfriending notice.
I don’t know about the word “triggering”, but I do know that when I unfollow a friend, it is for a good reason. I finally discovered the true personality of one and discovered that I do not like her personality. As a result, I am dropping her today.
:(
@SnipSnip Not everyone has the confidence or inner strength to make all the decisions they want to. There’s no need to criticize them for doing what they feel they need to do, in fact, it only adds to their anxiety, lack of confidence and/or fears and belittles them for doing so.
I’ve been in a very similar situation as yours. I was able to speak to someone outside of the situation and that helped me. By all means, look after yourself, and do not feel guilty about it. I’ve been depressed and anxious all my life and have had to end contact with a couple of friends who would trigger my anxiety as well as increase my depression. Remember, you can’t help anyone out of a deep dark cave if you’re in there with them. Welcome to fluther!
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