Friend Dilemma

I genuinely don’t know if I’m overreacting or if my feelings are valid.

One of my roommates has been one of my closest friends since 2021. We’ve been through a lot together over the years—some really dark times, we’ve supported each other, and we’ve definitely both had our ups and downs. Neither of us is perfect, but I always thought we had the kind of friendship that could survive difficult seasons.

About a week ago, I reached a point where my mental health was really struggling. I told my roommates I was taking about a week away to focus on myself and get the help I needed. I never said I was permanently leaving or ending our friendship. I just needed to step away and disconnect for a little while.

During that week, he texted me twice. The last thing he said was, “Well, I hope it was worth it.”

When I got back, I tried reaching out. I sent him a picture of our phone bill because we split it, and he left me on read. The next morning I called him three times because I genuinely wanted to talk things out, but he never answered. I even texted asking if he could please just pick up the phone, and I got nothing.

What hurts isn’t even that he didn’t answer.

What hurts is feeling like one week has somehow outweighed five years of friendship.

I understand if my taking a week away hurt his feelings. He’s completely entitled to feel that way. I would’ve rather had him tell me he was hurt or angry than just shut me out.

From my perspective, I wasn’t ignoring him because I didn’t care. I was genuinely trying to take care of my mental health because I wasn’t doing well. I thought after everything we’d been through together, there’d be enough trust for him to believe that.

I keep thinking… isn’t that what friendship is? People go through highs and lows. Sometimes one person has to step back and take care of themselves. I wasn’t asking him to fix my problems—I just needed a week.

Now I’m left wondering if I’m being punished for putting my mental health first.

Am I wrong for feeling hurt? Or am I expecting too much from a long-term friendship?