Aww, I know that feeling. *hug* I disappeared from a forum I used to post to because of that same thing. It really sucks. Don't feel obligated to keep up friendships that drain you. While I'm sure your friends care more about you than it seems, taking a break might help recharge your mental batteries. Whether or not you decide to reappear later is up to you.
Re: I feel like a fucking whiny baby, but...