one thing my therapist reminded me is that depression doesn’t always come in the form of sadness. it can also present itself as apathy & numbness. having no interest, not caring, no desire to really do much, not taking care of oneself, focusing on everything besides your care
if they don’t understand how their unhealed projections are hurting you, then they haven’t developed the self-awareness to start working on themselves yet. your empathy is admirable, but don’t let yourself be an outlet for someone’s pain. their healing isn’t your responsibility.