I have a friend who I recently reconnected with after a few years. Now she is into all of the COVID conspiracy theories and is very anti-government. She went to the COVID protest at Queen's Park, even though it was a 4 hour drive. I'm finding her ideas to not be helpful to my mental health. I don't know how to, in a healthy way, create some space between us, at least until this is over. Any suggestions? She wants to Skype and sends me articles. It's not like there's much else to talk about right now if we were to Skype; I don't think I could not talk about COVID. This friendship is creating quite a bit of stress for me. We used to be best friends so I don't want to exclude her from my life permanently.
Hi Catness 45, thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us today. It sounds like taking care of your mental health, while also maintaining your friendship, is important to you.
It can be stressful when our friends and family share opinions that conflict with our own views. It may be helpful to have an open conversation with your friend about the way you are feeling and perhaps agree to discuss other topics and mutual interests during your Skype calls instead. Practicing self-care is also important. If your friend continues sharing conspiracy theories, it may be helpful to explain that while you respect her differing opinions, you would like to have some space during this time as these conversations are causing some stress for you.
For more resources and tips on managing stress during the pandemic, I encourage you to visit our website www.camh.ca/covid19
It can be stressful when our friends and family share opinions that conflict with our own views. It may be helpful to have an open conversation with your friend about the way you are feeling and perhaps agree to discuss other topics and mutual interests during your Skype calls instead. Practicing self-care is also important. If your friend continues sharing conspiracy theories, it may be helpful to explain that while you respect her differing opinions, you would like to have some space during this time as these conversations are causing some stress for you.
For more resources and tips on managing stress during the pandemic, I encourage you to visit our website www.camh.ca/covid19
Stay safe!
It's a matter of setting boundaries with her. I find it really hard maintaining friendships with some people right now as I feel their true colours come out in times like this and unfortunately I have been so disappointed with some people. And for me once I lose respect for someone then that's it....I can't help it I just get turned off by certain behaviours esp. selfishness .
Hi Jenny D, thank you for your response and suggestion. Setting boundaries is definitely important, while having an open and honest conversation where you can express how you are feeling in a respectful way.