Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

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

402 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.
1 Tip to Feel Better
Portugal
Moderated by

Jennifer Patterson, LMFT

Art Therapist

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
kawaii
January 7th, 2016 9:18pm
Only if you want and if it is asked for some formal things. Depression is medical illness and there is no need to be ashamed.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 11:53pm
I think you should,it may be easier to get help that way. But only tell people you feel you can trust.
immortality
January 8th, 2016 5:29pm
Yes, you need to tell people when you feel depressed.Depression is something very serious that can lead to suicide if it's not diagnosed and treated on time.A depressed person needs to feel that they mean something to someone, that they are loved and that they are not useless and this is where friends and family can help.
Anonymous
January 8th, 2016 6:48pm
Depression is something that if you feel you have then you need to talk to a trusted adult or friend so that you can get the help you need. Never feel ashamed about your depression. It's nothing to be ashamed about. It's an illness and you can get the help so that you can one day overcome this depression.
igetcha
January 9th, 2016 7:56am
What really matters when you're depressed is doing what it takes to feel better. If you know how to help yourself feel better on your own, that's okay. Telling people can often be helpful though
FriendlyFlower
January 9th, 2016 4:47pm
It would be better to tell people that you may be unwell, as they can be more understanding to how you feel. A lot of people are engrossed in their lives and not always so aware of other people around them. Therefore, maybe telling the people you trust and who you may feel is understanding should be told you are depressed. Additionally, you might be surprised at how they can help you knowing you aren't feeling so well. They may give you more time, more patience, more understanding.
Anonymous
January 9th, 2016 9:19pm
Depends entirely on the situation. If you completely trust a close friend, then you know they'll do their best to solve your problem. Also, two brains are better than one. :)
Fluffybunnies
January 9th, 2016 9:49pm
The only person you need to tell is yourself. Acceptance is always the first step to getting better.
Itisreal
January 10th, 2016 8:53pm
No you don't, but it sure does make it a lot easier for your surroundings to help you through. By telling others, you are also allowing others to help you.
Happyness7
January 13th, 2016 4:41am
It's mostly recommended because that way someone can help you but it's hard to seek help. You're not alone.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2016 9:01pm
Of course you don't, it's a personal thing and nobody around you needs to know. Your feelings are still valid if they don't know and you shouldn't feel pressured to tell anyone, it's your own choice to make. It can be hard telling people so only do so when you're ready to, give yourself time if needed.
Crest
January 14th, 2016 3:19am
If you don't want to be crushed by the burden that you carry, don't you throw it off and relax? Yes, yes you should.
Anonymous
January 14th, 2016 8:16pm
You dont need to.... it is your life and your privacy... dont feel forced to tell people about it if you feel uncomfoertable with it But also feel free to tell people if you think it is the right thing to do. Depression is not a shame you dont need to hide it ! If you talk to people they will able to understand you better and also help you better.
handsomeapricot
January 15th, 2016 10:07pm
You don't need to tell people you're depressed unless you feel comfortable doing so. That said, it may help to tell select friends, family members, or people you trust about this. Basically, anyone you feel comfortable telling, but you aren't obligated to tell anyone you are.
electricPeace79
January 16th, 2016 6:41am
No, you definitely do not have to! Online resources such as 7 Cups and other local mental health resources are great ways of just having someone to talk to online about your problems. You can also vent to your close friends if they seem to be good listeners. If you find your depression really affecting your life and your ability to do things on a daily basis, getting further professional help is definitely something to consider for maintaining your well-being and good health.
Anonymous
January 16th, 2016 3:08pm
yes because family members and friends can help you and support your need and deserve family members or close friends can find easy to cope with the situation and it ease the symptoms. Also having someone at school, College and work who has some ideas what you are going through because some days are worse than others you don't need too much to explain to them what are you going through and how are you feeling. It's hard to cope it alone talking to someone making them to listen to you make you feel better.
Anonymous
January 17th, 2016 6:14am
Yes because you need to get it out and solved its better to flow like a river in a meadow, than to be in a bottle the rest of your life cap.
Anonymous
January 17th, 2016 6:05pm
I think that you don't have to justify yourself to anyone unless you choose too. I think that putting a label on yourself should not define who you are as a character either. Sometimes trying to explain yourself to others doesn't always work as they might not understand, only the best ones try to. Remember that your self-worth and self-value are more than what meets the eye and you don't have to explain your feelings to anyone, if you are sad then that's how it is, you can't help it and you shouldn't be made to feel blame for it either.
Azurea
January 18th, 2016 10:02am
Well it depends. It's important to find someone to support you like a friend or family. But it's also your personnal life, you don't have to tell everyone if you don't want to.
olimaar
January 20th, 2016 3:54pm
It's not something people usually say as an icebreaker. Your mental state is something that is important, and you should tell it to people you trust, and that they need to know. There's no need to tell your boss, but it is something you need to tell your close family and friends.
MaximumAquarius
January 21st, 2016 2:12am
I truley helps to tell others if you feel depressed because someone does care. Thats how I found 7 cups.
Anonymous
January 21st, 2016 2:32pm
I struggled with depression and anxiety after being diagnosed with epilepsy. It gets better, trust me. Now that I've overcame my struggles I'm here to help you guys.
CrusaderofLife
January 21st, 2016 7:36pm
Yes! Depression isn't a good emotion to feel. There are many people willing to help and care for you
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2016 1:11am
Yes it is important to confide in somebody if you are feeling depressed. Bottling up your feelings is the worse thing you can do. Clinical Depression is a serious illness and won't get better on its own. You need professional help and treatment to help you recover.
grassence
January 22nd, 2016 4:26am
If you are so depressed that you can be a danger to yourself then you should tell someone. Or if you feel absolutely miserable and are feeling thoughts of self harm and suicide you need to get help. The sooner you get help the faster you will heal.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2016 1:45am
Telling someone that you are depressed may seem very difficult, however it is best that you do reach out to someone you trust and let them know that you are indeed depressed. Follow up with a plan of seeking professional help for your depression.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2016 10:09pm
yes if you wouldn't tell someone about it then it will affect you more then it should. if you tell someone about it they will help you to fight back depression .
Dwayne1974
January 24th, 2016 2:03am
I don't think telling people is nessacary unless you are looking for support. On the other hand I find one of the most effective things I can do when I'm depressed is to talk to other people. That doesn't mean that the discussion has to center around depression, but it will give at least some short term relief from the misery. I've had depression most of my adult life, but unless people know me well, most wouldn't know anything was wrong unless I told them. Think of your emotions/body language as an iceburg, most people can only see/judge the tiny bit above the waterline. The rest won't be revealed unless you dive beneath the surface. Generally most people don't hunt for those cues. They can only judge you by your outward appearance and what you say/act.
LGBTriver
January 24th, 2016 7:42am
You should only be sharing personal information with people who make you feel comfortable. If you want to keep your depression to yourself, then so be it. Nobody is entitled to know you.
FlowtheUnicorn
January 24th, 2016 4:51pm
Yes, but you don't have to tell everybody. You should surely tell you loved ones and your best friends.