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How to tell someone you're depressed without saying it?

254 Answers
Last Updated: 03/27/2023 at 7:28pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
shellcare
November 26th, 2016 1:52am
Depression is a serious issue and is not a illness to play around with. If telling someone about your struggles crosses your mind at least once than you might feel the need to express yourself because you feel like you couldn't deal with it on your own. If you ever feel like you might need some help before it gets worse, tell someone.
LucyKech8
December 9th, 2016 4:03am
You tell them about how you're feeling at the moment, to tell them what's been bothering you from time to time. See if they can do anything to help, don't say you're depressed because then that person would think that you're lying or a wannabe emo. Just tell them how you feel and everything will be fine. I promise you that buddy
AgathaBritainbound
January 8th, 2017 4:43pm
It's not always easy to tell someone how you feel, especially someone who doesn't understand. But you need to make yourself heard and understood. Instead of just jumping in and saying you're depressed, try saying something like "I really feel down lately. I could use your support right now". Or try "I really could use someone to talk to right now about how I've been feeling." Most people do not understand depression or its impact on a persons' life. Take things slow. Help them to understand. It's the first baby step you need. Communication is the very lifeblood of any relationship.
Anonymous
February 11th, 2017 9:40am
You could simply say "I am not happy and I have not been happy for quite sometime now what should I do?"
Anonymous
February 15th, 2017 2:29pm
For me, it's when I stop talking to them. Not because I want to, I just isolate myself when I get depressed.
Anonymous
February 16th, 2017 11:18pm
Sometimes it's obvious through body language, movements, conversation etc. if you don't want to tell people that's fine however they may think you're off with them personally and take this to heart.
Anonymous
March 8th, 2017 4:32am
One approach to depression is seeing an individuals initial reaction. If you are worried about how they may respond it can be useful to begin with an open-ended question. See if they have ever known anyone with depression, or if they have ever suffered from depression. That would be one way to begin a conversation surrounding the feelings you may be experiencing.
xSierraxDx
March 17th, 2017 6:20pm
Why would you not want to say it? Being depressed is not a bad thing at all. Everyone goes through depression sometime in their life, Just tell the person "you've been feeling quite sad/down lately". They'll eventually take a hint, but once again, depression is not something to be ashamed of. So if you really feel daring, just be blunt with them and tell them you're feeling depressed.
JCUNewcastle
April 16th, 2017 6:13pm
The first step is coming to terms with your depression. One can't tell anybody he or she is depressed—verbally or not—until one first understands it for him- or herself. And while "beating around the bush" may not be an optimal path, some do not so easily feel comfortable sharing such intimate information. Everything from "I'm just tired," to "I just had a rough day at work," could be indicators of depression: if so, however, it calls for the vigilance of friends and family, both, lest some unspeakable tragedy strike all to quickly.
Fillorian
April 27th, 2017 6:14pm
Write them a letter telling them how you feel and explain that it's hard for you to speak about it, they must be someone you can trust without having to worry about them judging you
ourblueneighbourhood
April 30th, 2017 9:15am
There's not really a way. But it's important to reach out, to someone, anyone that you feel comfortable and safe with. I think most people would be surprised to find out that most people have experienced some form of depression; I stress this, be comfortable. You're already depressed, and there isn't any point in spending your energy on covering what's really going on.
HattieMae
April 30th, 2017 4:13pm
A lot of the time someone's demenour can give us more information than what someone says. The perosn you're talking to may already suspect a change in your mood based on your body language. But if you're looking for conversation starters, you could send them an article, story, comic, quote than sums up how you're feeling. I find that some quotes really sum up my situtions sometime, that they're easier to share than me telling them.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2017 6:15pm
Explain your feelings to them and explain why you feel that way. They might start to understand once you open up
Anonymous
June 9th, 2017 6:49am
Unfortunately no one will know exactly how you're feeling if you don't tell them. Maybe try writing a letter or sending the person links to depression symptoms online and saying you relate to it.
Anonymous
June 9th, 2017 10:05pm
People are not mind readers and miss things very easily. The best way to let someone know that you are depressed is to tell them.
Anonymous
June 14th, 2017 6:34pm
Lately I've been feeling very sad and I don't know what to do. I'm having extremely upsetting thoughts and things aren't like they used to be.
AndyP84
June 28th, 2017 1:23pm
There is a lot on my mind right now, and it's making it hard for me to think clearly. I hope you understand, and I'm doing my best to work through it.
Anonymous
July 9th, 2017 11:02pm
Try and tell them you've been feeling down lately and that you have been struggling and your not sure what to do and you want them to try and talk to you and help you :)
giggleShoulder61
July 27th, 2017 1:36am
You might like to try to let them know about the symptoms you are struggling with and let them come to the conclusion on their own. Other times, it's more helpful to be direct in telling them about what you are going through. In the end, the decision is up to you and it's quite brave of you to seek help.
mermaiden74
August 2nd, 2017 4:06am
There are many ways that human beings can express that they are feeling depressed without saying it. Body language might show them moving less and more slowly through their day. Tone of voice might show them speaking in a lower monotone. Their personal hygiene might be less than ideal. Hearing and speaking might be greatly impaired or diminished. Sudden and unexpected trembling lips, tears and keening might indicate depression in someone. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or observe them in someone else, reach out for help or to help. Be there for someone.
GivingstonTreegull
August 16th, 2017 5:05am
Chances are that if you are depressed, the people you want to tell already know! The symptoms can be very telling. However you should never be afraid to speak up and let someone know how you are feeling. Even just speaking about it could give you a new perspective and make you feel so much better! If you don't feel like you can tell anyone you know, you can always ask a professional for help! Depression is a very common issue and no one should be ashamed of it. If you need to speak up, just find that person who makes you feel comfortable. They won't judge you for opening up.
radiantTruth95
August 19th, 2017 9:41pm
I've been feeling low or sad lately. I've been sleeping a lot and eating very little. Sometimes I have a low self esteem... etc. Describe feelings and symptoms of your depression.
Anonymous
September 13th, 2017 8:04pm
Tell them what you feel like. Tell them if you sleep a lot or can't get motivated. If you feel tired all the time, tell them that. Most will figure it out.
Anonymous
October 18th, 2017 8:38pm
I have done this recently and I said how I had really harsh thoughts on certain things. I've also said how I felt like I couldn't feel any positive moods.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2017 11:51pm
¨Im tired thats all.¨ ¨I just cant seem to be happy all the time.¨ ¨I dont enjoy the thinks I used to and it scares me.¨ ¨Im slowly changing...and im not enjoying this change at all.¨ ¨Im emotionally drained.¨
Anonymous
November 16th, 2017 1:49pm
Show it, through your emotions, your low mood and general negativity of life and help them see you're not as positive or happy as you should be, even if it comes down to showing signs of self harm or abuse on your body...
Anonymous
November 16th, 2017 4:07pm
You shouldn't be embarrassed about being depressed. Why not just say it out loud? It might help you.
Harry53
November 18th, 2017 12:27am
If you're feeling depressed and you are uncomfortable telling someone you are, rather than saying you are depressed you can describe your symptoms. Depression is quite common and there's no reason to feel embarrassed about that.
Anonymous
November 22nd, 2017 4:04pm
I was that "someone" for a long time. For a long time, one of my friends was struggling and I had no clue. The best way to tell them is just to say it. Understand that they cannot always read your mind or pick up on hints. They want to help you, you should let them. Telling them will make you feel better and allow them to help you cope.
Anonymous
November 23rd, 2017 3:00pm
You could either write a letter to them so that you don't have to say it or send an email. Saying it in riddles usually don't work. When you say you are sleepy and tired all the time, the person you are telling that to might get the idea that you are lazy.