Hi Dawn
May I please ask a question? What do you need people to do or say to make you feel that they care? Let me explain why I ask the question.
I am just talking about my own experience so it might not have anything that relates to you. I grew up not seeing affection in my family, or stuff like feelings being talked about. When I started becoming depressed I sometimes just wanted someone to hold me. Nothing else. Obviously this never happened. I have since found out the hard way, that they (my family) do not really care about my depression and the reason they are giving is that they do not understand, therefore cannot help me. (Strange view, but anyway). This has led to me becoming friends with people who are affectionate. They also do not always understand me, but if they see I am not fine, they will just come and put a hand on my shoulder for a few seconds. This means the world to me, and I have made peace with it that this is enough for me to know that they care.
I care about other people very much, and did in the past think that if people did not treat me the way I treat the people I care about, they do not really care about me. There are very many ways that people use to show that they care. Sometimes it is not showing you love or affection, that they use. Also strange. Tell your family what you expect them to do to make you feel cared for. I am sure this will help the situation.
