I have young kids and I feel like I’ve pretty much become isolated from my friends. The ones that have kids live out of state. My best friends don’t have kids so they usually come to me, but they also have their own lives so I don’t want to bother them. And I can’t really do my hobbies. I knew it would be hard with young kids, but I didn’t realize it would be so lonely and without an outlet.
Did your best friends indicate you’re bothering them? If not, where did this narrative come from, that you’re bothering them? I’d wonder if this is just in your head and if it’s preventing you from reaching out more often.
You’re right. It’s a common way of thinking among the depressed.