Washington, Sept 12 : Maria Shriver has admitted that her split from Arnold Schwarzenegger and her son Christopher's accident left her "feeling down and confused".

California''s former first lady, who filed for divorce from her husband earlier this year, also said that even though she has struggled to cope with her problems, she realises other people in the world have bigger problems than she does.

Shriver spoke about a recent experience with a friend who has intellectual disabilities.

"When I was going through my own challenges this year; feeling down and confused, I got an email from him. He wrote me a note saying, ''You''re my best friend Maria and you will never be left out.'' When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands. Thank you to everyone who came up to me this weekend and wished me well," Contactmusic quoted her as telling People. (ANI)