Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?
402 Answers
Last Updated: 06/26/2023 at 4:18pm
★ This question about Depression was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
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Life can be messy. Sometimes you need a little support to make your way through it. I love to help guide people through their challenges & to find the beauty in our messes.
Top Rated Answers
No. You don't need to share anything that you don't feel comfortable with sharing. But remember, letting your close know about the way you feel can make them understand your behaviour better. And also - it's good to talk to friends. They can help!
From experience I can tell you that it is a good thing to talk about your depression, but talk about it with people that you trust completely. For example, your therapist, a close friend, your parents etc.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 10:47pm
Suffering in isolation is extremely painful and only compounds distress. You don't need to tell everyone about your depression, but telling a feel close friends or family can help your healing immensely by having a support network.
Sometimes talking to someone when you depressed is good for you.They can help and can give advice or you and them can do something.
You don't need to. It is YOUR choice, but you don't have to tell or explain or show anyone anything. You can feel what you want to feel without a reason. If you feel comfortable enough with a person to be able to open up to them, then go ahead.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2016 11:15am
If I were you I would fina a trusted person, someone you are close to or someone you know if understanding, and speak from the heart.
I think people with depression don't know that they're depressed. Well, if you ever felt sad or any of that sort, just be thankful, be thankful that you can still feel something.
If someone you know asks you if you're okay, or not, you can share, but it's not something you need to share.
Yes. Being depressed is not something you should be ashamed of, instead telling people about it would possibly make you feel better. It will also encourage others who is dealing with depression, to be open about it and eventually lead to a better world:)
Yes, this will also provide additional support during challenging times. People can do a lot to feel better by making lifestyle changes such as exercising more, purposely doing enjoyable things, and addressing the legitimate problems in their life.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 12:55pm
You can do what you are comfortable with doing. But yes, talking is really therapeutic because you are letting it out of your chest and just expressing how you are feeling which is super therapeutic. So, if you want to talk about it, I am here, but if not, you can do whatever you want. It depends on your decisions. Talking is really therapeutic from my experience
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 4:15pm
You don't need to tell people that you are depressed it could be viewed as a very personal thing to you
I do not believe that I need to tell people that I am depressed, but it is a positive thing if I do tell those I am closest to. Even though I feel like it won't help at the time, I have found it to be very helpful, those closest to me actually say to me that they are there and will support me, that they understand that I am depressed. But not everyone in my life does this and it still makes me reserved to opening up about my emotions. Keeping it in is much more of a burden than releasing it. I just make sure I open up to those around me who understand and avoid the ones who don't until I am in a better place emotionally.
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2016 7:33am
It depends on how close you are to them but you dont need to go around screaming your mental illness
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2016 8:46am
You should only tell them if you trust them. Don't go around telling random people. They would mistake that for being an attention whore.
If you are depressed, you will struggle the most if you try to get through it alone. You don't need to tell someone you know. You can start by telling someone here! You could also talk to a school counselor or a trusted friend or family member. You do not need to tell anyone whom you have any valid reason to believe will criticize you for your depression - no such person is entitled to such information about your life. It is important to protect yourself but to always have faith in the people who have supported you and shown you that you can trust them. Follow your heart when deciding who to tell about your depression. And if you receive an unfavorable response, confront them or let them go. You are never a bad person for protecting yourself from people who mean you harm.
No, you do not need to tell people. If you trust someone and think you could need their support, feel free to tell them.
It depends on the people. The people closest may realize something is going on with you when youre depressed. And id sit them down and let them know how youre feeling
Yes, those that you feel comfortable with. It is necessary to let someone know of any depress state because of certain consequences.
You don't have to do anything that you don't want too, but you may find it easier to live with your depression knowing that select few around you know what you are going through. You don't have to scream it from the roof tops but you should tell people who you care about.
Anonymous
January 6th, 2016 7:34pm
No, the only people you should tell are people that you know wont think of you differently and people that you truly trust.
Anonymous
January 6th, 2016 8:29pm
I'm a big fan of letting others in with the added qualifier that those others we can trust. So, do you need to tell people you are depressed? Maybe not people, maybe a trusted other. Sometimes the act of sharing how we suffer, when it is with a trusted other, works to free us of some of the negative energy we have been storing up since being depressed. And often as a result, space is created within us which allows us to be better capable of sorting things out, hence to feel better. So you you tell us, do you need to let someone know how you are doing? Be well.
It's important to tell someone you trust about it. It's encouraged to tell a doctor or family member, but you may not feel comfortable telling either yet. If you start with a friend, make sure that this person is supportive and care about you.
The reason why telling someone is important is because, if unchecked, depression has the potential to become worse over time. When you have a support network, coping with depression is way easier than going through it alone.
I think it is important to tell the right people that you are feeling down. Telling someone you don't trust very well can compromise your emotions. Speak with a trusted and close family member or friend. Expressing your emotions can always be a relief.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 3:18am
Yes and no. It depends, really. If you want to get better, of course! But mostly people who are depressed tend to withdraw, and try to self heal... maybe not self heal. Maybe just self HARM, and it's not the same thing.
People don't like to hear you are depressed so prepare to be left. By other side if people accept you tell you are depressed it is a kind if test, probably they are ready to have a trustful relationship with you.
I would tell people I trust, can be open with, that are close to me if I was depressed. I think having support is important when going through a hard time and hitting some rough patches.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 4:08pm
Yes of course. In that way, they can help you encounter depression. With having people around, you can share all your problems. Counseling is a good way too.
This is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong. It is a questioned best discussed with a therapist who knows you best.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 5:30pm
No in my opinion you don't have to tell anyone, but sometimes it might help if you open up to a friend or a close person. It can make you feel released and they might help you
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