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Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?

401 Answers
Last Updated: 06/26/2023 at 4:18pm
Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?
★ This question about Depression was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
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Top Rated Answers
Ben1978
September 21st, 2014 10:55pm
It would be advisable that certain people in your life know about the problems you are facing in order that you can get the support you need and deserve, perhaps a family member or close friend. Issues like this can be slightly easier to cope with just knowing you have someone there for you and finding someone who you can confide in can be a weight off your shoulders plus it may ease symptoms. Also having someone at work/college/school who has some idea of what you're going through can be useful because some days will be worse than others and you wont have to explain to much about how you are feeling if they already know your problems. It can make you feel less alone. But thats not to say everybody needs to know your problems because you also need places you can go where no one is aware of that side of you somewhere you can go and forget about your troubles.Depression by ts nature is dark and lonely trying to cope with it alone is hard like most things and sometimes its almost impossible to drag yourself out of it but talking can help.choose who you tell and you always have somewhere you can be or someone you can be with whatever your mood.
NikiTaylor
October 31st, 2014 4:20am
You don't need to tell anyone anything. Do what you're comfortable with. If you're afraid that you'll hurt yourself and want someone to be there to help you, tell them. If you're afraid of being labeled and put in a box, don't. If it will make your life easier and friendships stronger to tell a friend or two, then go for it. Only do what feels right for you. Only you can know that.
LondonLostGirl
April 7th, 2015 6:50pm
No you don't. Those who care enough will ask you what's wrong. In case you wanna get it off your chest, hi, I'm here.
Chester
September 22nd, 2014 9:13pm
While telling someone that you're depressed can be helpful for many reasons, it should not be understated how important it is to assess the situation before making your move. For example, some questions you will want to consider are who you want to open up to, why you want to open up to them, and whether you feel that they will be receptive to the news. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that depression (along with other mental illnesses) still carries a very negative stigma in our society. While this may not always be the case, this is generally true for most situations, and you need to be very careful. You'll need to figure out if telling this person will be worth the risk. While we all wish that this were an ideal world where we could be open about mental illness, the world isn’t there yet. In a professional work setting for example, declaring that you suffer from depression may open you up to discrimination. On the other hand, you may have a very understanding boss who will be accommodating if you ever need a day off, or need additional support on difficult days. It's up to you to assess the risk of opening up. Risks are also present with family and friends. You may have those who are completely dismissive, e.g. they don't believe mental illnesses are truly an "illness", or they may be on the other end of the spectrum and be incredibly supportive. Again, this risk is up to you to assess. My opinion is that if there is a need for that person to know, if there is a good reason why you want this person to know, if there is a very good chance that they will be supportive, and if there is very low risk that they will react adversely to the news, then it may be a good idea for you to tell this person that you suffer from depression. Otherwise, you might want to hold back. The insight I’m offering here comes from my own experiences, along with things I’ve learned and researched over the years. In my own experience, my parents weren’t receptive, and opening up to my school or workplaces would have had detrimental consequences. Some of my “friends” were not receptive, and we shortly went our separate ways. A few of them were very receptive, and were there for me during the darkest times.
Laurawreh
November 9th, 2014 11:19pm
I think it's best to tell people that you are depressed or going through depression. Counselling is a great way to express your feelings and speak to someone about your issues that are making you depressed, and can give you advice on how to feel better.
shufflingthesalad
November 14th, 2014 6:27pm
If a relationship you have with someone, whether it be a personal or professional one, is affected by the challenges you face from depression, you should tell that person if you are comfortable doing so. This allows them to understand your situation, which will give them the opportunity to think of a different approach to come at you with in order to enable you to do your absolute best in everything.
RyanBee
August 6th, 2015 8:16am
I don't think you need to tell everyone, but it is certainly good to let your close friends and family know what your going through. It can definitely make you feel better to have a chat with someone about how you feel, who knows maybe they have gone through something similar and can give you some advice. "A problem shared is a problem halved"
Anonymous
September 11th, 2014 2:03am
I wouldn't say you NEED to, but having others know what you are going through can certianly help you have a better support system. Ultimately, it is your choice...you can choose who you open up to and who you can talk to about this. Just know that you don't have to go through it alone, its okay to reach out for help too.
Ifeelthesameway
July 2nd, 2015 9:14am
Sometimes yes, because sharing your problems to people whom you trust especially your parents their words can make your chest feel lighter. And it improves your communication with the person your are sharing it with.
HamRadio4Life
August 8th, 2015 4:32pm
You can tell people anything you'd like. It's completely up to you. But you should use discretion in who you tell. Some people may try to use it against you.
jane123
September 21st, 2014 5:27pm
Hey!:) I don't think you need to tell people you're depressed. If they tell you your story you can see it from a whole new side and it doesn't matter if you're depressed or not
Anonymous
November 16th, 2014 4:57pm
It is up to you to decide whether or not the people in your life need to know that you are depressed. If you feel like you are in danger whether it is a danger to yourself, or to others around you, then yes, tell someone. If you feel unsafe call the National Suicide Lifeline.
Hermes
September 25th, 2014 10:43pm
Yes, but to someone who'll be helpful about it. Someone who experienced it or someone eho know how to deal with it. Not everyone cares or acts properly in that kind of statement and in any wrong response, depression will grow.
Radish
October 30th, 2014 11:14pm
you don't need to do anything you are uncomfortable with, if you wish to tell people that you are depressed then there is no reason you shouldn't but if you don't want to then there is absolutely no need to
Claire91
December 20th, 2015 8:02pm
Hey there, This is really an individual preference, I think. I believe that should be totally up to you, as it is your life, and you are the one struggling with the illness. I suppose my question would be: what are your personal pros and cons for telling people you are depressed? For example, a pro could be support from a trusted friend or family member, and a con could be someone not being understanding and further stigma. So I think it is really up to you. If you have a therapist and/or psychiatrist, this might be a good question to bring up with them as well. You can also feel free to chat about it one on one with a listener here at 7 cups. I think the most important thing is that if you do tell people, you find support, compassion, and love, which you most certainly deserve. Take care.
Jabrto
September 15th, 2014 7:49am
Depression, while it does affect your daily life and interactions with doesn't mean everyone around you needs to know. Unless people are in a position to help/support you, it really is not their business to know. If you want to tell people, that is up to your personal judgement. You are, however, not under any obligation to need to tell people.
lanadaisy
November 4th, 2014 11:26pm
Yes, yes, yes. From my experience, when you're depressed, telling someone is the best thing to do. Whether it's a close, understanding friend, or a trustworthy adult, it is extremely important for you to tell someone. Having to deal with it alone is the last thing you want. It helps to let it out. Good luck!
Dailydaydreama
November 19th, 2014 5:20pm
It's important to have safe people to share personal information with ! Sometimes a situation is safer if people know what's happening !
Pailein
November 7th, 2014 8:57pm
This is a great question! Yes and no. It's at least YOUR choice, who you tell this and who don't. But you should tell it at least a (professional) person, because you should let you help. Depressions are serious problems!
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 12:29pm
That is a completely personal decision! However, you can take into consideration how much you trust and confide in the person that you are thinking about telling. If you feel that you do a lot and want to share your experiences with them, then it could be a good idea to share with them.
Sara889
October 22nd, 2014 9:15pm
Depression is very hard to overcome when we do not have emotional support. It is not necessary to talk about our depression to every person we know, but it is important to have a supportive network of people we can trust. Even talking about out feelings with one person can go a long way. When we open up, we feel understood, supported, listened to, and accepted. Think about finding a person whom you trust and consider opening up and sharing how you feel.
Ven
October 25th, 2014 2:30pm
Yes. People won't know anything if you won't tell them. Moreover, telling them what you feel will help you overcome it. Depression is an enemy that can't be faced alone.
MistyForest
July 23rd, 2015 9:16pm
It depends on the person. If it's somebody that will be supportive then you can. Especially if you are in need of support. Else I think it's best to not tell them.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 3:57am
as many people as you can! go out there, meet them and talk to them!
jibran2k14
August 6th, 2015 8:56am
No you don't. you don't tell it to everyone, just tell it to the people that you know will support you and will help you in a certain way.
Harvey4you91
September 23rd, 2014 8:18pm
From my point of view, i say talking with others about depressing thoughts, might help solved it and moving on.
Anonymous
November 16th, 2014 12:59pm
No, but it is better if you do. If you keep it inside for too long, it may get worse. Try to talk to a listener on 7 cups, and if you feel like you can do it, a parent or a friend.
Erynn
July 26th, 2015 4:10am
No. But it can be useful at times, particularly with people who are close to you or in situations where your depression may have a big affect on things (like work, school, best friends, family). It is 100% up to you though, and you do NOT owe anyone an explanation you are uncomfortable giving. Say only as much or as little as you would like. It may help to weigh the pros/cons of your choices and think through what you want the person to know, and why you want them to know it, before you open up a conversation.
EthanJay
September 11th, 2014 12:43pm
Sometimes, it can be felt but this requires an empathic soul on the other side. Other times it's like yelling in the dark, our instincts kick in and make us scream to the top of our lungs to be heard.
Wideawake4Life
October 24th, 2014 5:59pm
Yes, you need to tell people that you are depressed if you want help with your depression. However, you can't just tell anyone. Many people do not understand depression or they are uncomfortable with discussing this issue and because of this, they are not safe to tell. That's why 7 Cups of Tea is a great place to tell people that you are depressed. You may also be able to tell a trusted friend family member or professional therapist which is a great thing to do. To be depressed is a normal human condition that many people struggle with, including me.