Telling your family about your depression
I havent told my family about my depression or how bad its been. Im afraid they wont understand. My sister knows, but in a 4 year struggle this time around, I only just told her a month or so ago.
Has as anyone else ever kept their depression a secret from their family? And if so, have you told them or not? How did you tell them? I dont know how much longer I can keep this to myself... my close friends know... but thats it. And keeping it from my family has gotten harder...
@Desiringchange1475
I hid my depression since I was 10. So from since I was a child I dealt it 100% on my own without anyone knowing. I only told my parents on Dezember 2017 (when I was 22).
My parents although supportive unfortunetly had alot of strong beliefs on this due to stupid stigma and stereotypes. My father thinks therapist are useless and that my depression comes from my personality, while my mother thinks is a matter of me wanting to be happy.
But again although they do this they noticed how bad I was, so they helped me go to my family doctor and ask for help. Nowdays I have a therapist and is a bit better.
Now in your case I can't say how they will react, but let's start with positives here, your sister knows and didn't react badly right? So that's a good start! Now your parents, my advice is explaining them what it is with some science facts. Most people don't understand that depression is in fact a mental illness, is not something for attention or that we made up, is just as severe as... a broken leg for example.
Explain them what it is, the symptoms, how it affects your daily life, and so on. Try to stay calm talking to them and if you need to cry, cry too , try to not hide anything from them basically.
If you struggle with explaining all of this to them, in that case write it down maybe in topics so you don't get lost.
I wish you the best of luck for this. You're very brave for wanting to tell someone! I'm hopping they're all supportive and that will help you :)
When should I give up with therapry and psychotherapy?
I still haven't told my family either, which is keeping me from getting help. I hope you find the courage to tell them.
Dear @Desiringchange1475, depression is a tricky disease. I drove away someone precious to me only because i couldnt fully understand what depression is. I understood her but not her disease. Yes, depression is an invisible disease and your family will have tough time looking at it. I dont have any suggestions for you. I can only say that i do understand your pain. Not a moment goes by i do not think of the person i pushed away from me because i didnt fully understrand the extent of this disease. I think the only thing that helps is understanding and acceptance by family and people around. Try to face your inner demons, thats all i will say, just try.
There are two pieces to the puzzle. The first is that we need to disclose to family. The second is that family need to hear and accept us. I find that only my SO really understands my depression, and some times it feels like they only kinda get it. FOO (family of origin) don't get it.
As to the question about when to give up on therapy and psychotherapy, I'm not willing to give up on the process though I may change providers.
