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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.
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Top Rated Answers
stella2298
January 2nd, 2016 10:30am
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:)
speaktruthfullytome
January 2nd, 2016 10:55am
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
Dolphinlistener
January 2nd, 2016 7:03pm
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.
SkyePotatoes
January 6th, 2016 3:02am
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.
BatWings89
January 6th, 2016 3:08pm
No, you do not need to tell people. If you trust someone and think you could need their support, feel free to tell them.
Anonymous
February 4th, 2016 11:50pm
It will help you get over the feeling, most of the time. Tell people that truly care about you and that you trust. Talking about your feelings, and getting it on the table for another to see, can often help, because they can offer a fresh perspective and will have your best interests in mind.
StayStrongNeverLoseHope
March 27th, 2016 4:06pm
It's no ones business to know if you're depressed or not. It's completely up to you who you speak to, you should only talk to people that you trust and feel you need to about what you are going through. Letting someone know that you are depressed can be useful for you as it can get you further support for it and it may be able to let you release some of the feelings that you are going through. But it is totally up to you if you want to tell someone and who you tell :)
TheGreyFixer
February 12th, 2016 10:11am
No, you have no requirement or responsibility to tell people that. It's your own personal business, and you have the right to withhold that information. However, if you have someone close to you, it might help your situation to tell them; that way they can be aware of your needs and help you when you need it. Sometimes it's very comforting to have someone around who knows these things.
peacelovemusic03
February 11th, 2016 8:06pm
Absolutely not. You should never have to divulge your inner feelings. If you feel very comfortable- you can if you want. If anyone ever makes you feel like you have to tell them- you have a right to tell them to back off.
Anonymous
October 13th, 2014 7:18pm
Yes and No. Of course tell it to people you are comfortable with, to your family and closest friends, your therapist too, but not to other people because they might not understand you they might take that as if it is not a severe problem and it might make everything a lot worse than it is.
Rorschak
February 11th, 2016 5:08am
You don't need to tell people that you're depressed.. If you feel as though it is important and relavent, then feel free to do so
KintsugiLady
February 10th, 2016 10:45pm
If you don't want to, no. Not at all. It's true that, if it affects your regular life, there may come a moment where not telling may make people wonder what's going on, but it's your call to share or not. It's your soul you're sharing, and you can't be forced to do it. By all means, though, if you want to, do not feel force to keep it to yourself, either. Each of us needs different things at different moments, and only you can judge what those are.
EllaLoves
February 10th, 2016 1:04am
That is up to you, it can help when people know about it so they can be aware of triggers of signs of depressive behavior.
Anonymous
February 7th, 2016 5:33am
You dont NEED to unless you feel as if that is what you should do. Approach this one step at a time and if you are comfortable with talking to someone, go for it!
Anonymous
February 7th, 2016 4:53am
no you should talk to counselors about your depression don't talk anyone else except your parent and your counselors
LeoGirl93
February 5th, 2016 10:30pm
Yes. I believe so. I've been depressed and talking to someone really helps. You are not alone. Remeber that.
invisiblehappiness1021
February 5th, 2016 6:56am
I know it's hard to come out and say but yes you do. Telling the right people can allow them to help
TillyT
January 31st, 2016 10:57am
I think the honest answer is - You have the choice to decide. I personally people should talk openly about their depression. For a few reason. 1) It will help towards ending taboos around mental health. 2) Talking about your mental health is the healthiest step to managing its control on your life. 3) Your acknowledgement may help others identify their depression. X
Annaxelia
January 28th, 2016 6:10am
You can speak to someone you feel you trust and tell them how you feeling an what you going through . You can also contact a support helpline and speak to a professional
Jacinthhh
January 28th, 2016 2:32pm
Yes, if you're comfortable of somebody knowing that you are, and if it's too much for you too handle. They may not understand, nor they can give an answer, but they can listen. Never underestimate the power of someone valuing that part of your life.
Redcat
January 30th, 2016 2:21am
If you need support, then yes. You should never be afraid of telling people. There's billions of people so if you're struggling why wouldn't you use that to your advantage?
Anonymous
January 30th, 2016 11:50pm
you do not have to tell everyone. you should tell your parents if they dont know. maybe a best friend at the most
CepheiStar
January 31st, 2016 1:13am
You definitely don't. It can be helpful to have a few trusted people in your life that know what you are going through, but it is certainly your information to give and you shouldn't feel obligated to tell anyone. One exception to this is any healthcare personel, especially if they ask you in the course of giving you new medication or treatment, as side effects could cause reactions that are dangerous to you.
Anonymous
February 3rd, 2016 9:59am
No, you don't need to. But, if you are open about it with people you trust, they will be better able to support you.
Anonymous
February 4th, 2016 6:05am
It's best to talk about depression to overcome it in experience people know how to make you feel better and keep you from closing up
sereneCreature61
February 3rd, 2016 8:44pm
Only if you feel that you need the compassion of those around you. It is most definitely not required. There are lots of people who treat others with kindness and respect, and give them space regardless of their personal life. But there is nothing wrong with telling people what you feel you want them to know. It does not have to be a secret. It is not wrong to be depressed. It is part of life and part of who you are right now.