Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why does nobody believe I'm depressed?

178 Answers
Last Updated: 09/22/2020 at 5:31pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Andrea Tuck, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I tackle and discuss a multitude of social and emotional health issues. I have a belief that through empowerment and non-judgmental support clients' can thrive.

Top Rated Answers
MsYani
September 22nd, 2020 5:31pm
No depression experience is ever the same and no one person experiences the same kind of depression. Also, we still live in a society where mental awareness is still hard to believe. Lastly, people that have not experienced a deep depression or have maybe overcomed a "truly sad" situation that they mislabeled as feeling depressed may no understand why people who are depressed cant simply get "over it" as they did, or may feel like others are just exaggerating. Be patient with yourself. No one can understand truly but can be a comfort. Seek comfort and help from those that dont judge and make you feel safe.
JohnnyMBravo
October 13th, 2014 4:36am
depression is a very hard thing to deal with. along with experiencing the feelings yourself, it often seems that others do not believe you. however, finding solace in a few, close, friends and relatives often will lead to a great support group
Anonymous
June 10th, 2015 5:28pm
Maybe you're used to faking smiles, and people often see you "happy", so when you say you're depressed, they don't believe you. But nobody needs to know that you're depressed unless you want them to help you, the only one who needs to know how you actually are, is you.
Countrygirl101
July 14th, 2015 2:26pm
People don't understand what they have never experienced. Until they do, they won't understand or believe you are depressed. Depression is a dark place and many have been there. Just remember you are not alone :)
heavenleighlove
July 27th, 2015 7:12am
Sometimes people dont want to accept that some one they love is in so much pain. Deep down theyre hurting from this too and dont want to face it. Give them time, theyll come around.
Anonymous
August 4th, 2015 1:33am
They don't want to believe you are depressed because they have never been through it. When you don't understand something, it's hard not to believe it when someones says it's real.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 10:43am
Because they haven't experienced it for themselves. Many people romanticize and belittle the idea of depression because they don't know what it can really be like to experience it. This misunderstanding doesn't mean they love you any less, if just means they need a little help understanding the real and serious experience you're going through.
yurannus
September 14th, 2015 8:52pm
Because everyone says that they are depressed even if they are not but im pretty sure you are struggling with this illness maybe you can try to go to a therapist and i bet if therapist tell them they'll believe you!
gracefulAngel96
September 17th, 2015 9:05pm
Sometimes people don't understand depression and all that it entails. People may not believed you're depressed because they have never experience depression, or perhaps they are experiencing severe depression and don't believe anyone else could possibly feel that way.
ConallBranagin
November 24th, 2015 4:28pm
Depression is not something that someone can physically see much of the time and therefore, it makes it hard for people who do not understand it from their personal experience to be able to relate. Often people want to help they understand a lesser emotion such as sadness, anger or loneliness, however depression is entirely different. Those who are depressed often get frustrated by others trying to help,however,, it is an equal frustration from both sides. Those who are depressed can not expect people with no personal experience to ever understand the truth of depression just as those without can ot expect depressed people to understand life without it. That said, there is help, and there are ways for those dealing with depression to live a healthier and happier life. Seek counseling, allow yourself to be open and vulnerable to those who love you and accept the help you can not obtain for yourself. If you know someone depressed please encourage them to get help ad allow them to express to you as best they can even if you do not understand.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2015 12:47pm
they could believe that you are just sad, they may believe that you don't 'have enough going on to make you depressed', no one can judge what you feel or what you are. You may want to visit the doctors to see if you are clinically depressed
Nataleigh
December 11th, 2015 9:13pm
Sometimes-- & often without realizing it, we don't show our "saddest selves" to the people we love.
ChlobiWanKenobi
December 12th, 2015 3:11am
Some people are brought up to believe there is no such thing as depression. Only times when you are sad. This is not true, depression is a real illness and it needs to be treated accordingly. If you have access to your doctor, discuss treatment options with them. If you are too young to go to your doctor by yourself, perhaps try talking to a school counsellor or teacher.
Anonymous
December 12th, 2015 10:14am
beacause sometimes people can't feel what they have never experinced unfortunately but there are people who get it out there never lose hope
xiasymphony
December 12th, 2015 11:12pm
Maybe it's how you express it. Do you talk about it frequently? What would you think about yourself?
readman
December 13th, 2015 4:57am
Mainly because we haven’t been taught almost anything about mental issues and how to deal with them. We either romanticize depression or we don’t believe exist at all. And not having support from the people who are around you can make the depression worse. That is why sites like this, exist.
izza
December 13th, 2015 7:49pm
Depression is seen as an "abstract concept" which we are often educatated little or nothing at all about. The fact that we don't know much about it makes it niche and so people don't realise how common it actually is. Many people face depression in fact 1/4 teenagers in the UK experience depression, we just don't get taught much on it and so people find it hard to believe when some have depression because it's unfamiliar to a large extent. Here at 7cups we are very understanding, non-judgemental and educated (thanks to the training guides) on topics such as depression so members and guest don't have to worry about not being believed. We are all here to support you through this experience.
Anonymous
December 14th, 2015 10:10pm
because it is difficult for them to believe that someone they always relied on to be fine, isn't. and it is also sometimes because they don't understand depression, and how it affects different people
NoPhunIntended
December 16th, 2015 12:18am
There are many people who lie about being depressed now-a-days for multiple reasons (attention mostly) - and it makes it hard to believe that some people are actually depressed. If you truly are depressed make sure you get help from close friends or family.
Andrewcash
December 16th, 2015 3:05am
a lot of people who don't believe that is because they dont think depression exists in general for the most part because they never experienced it them self's
Anonymous
December 16th, 2015 6:26am
Nobody assumes a person is depressed because depression is silent. There's no fevers, no rashes, no blood test to prove it.. No amount of money of fame can fix it. It's a constant battle with yourself everyday. If only people could run their fingers through our soul, feel exactly what we feel, perceive as we perceive, look .. & experience what depression actually feels like for once. Many people have no clue on what depression is like which is why many people won't believe you're depressed.. Since it's not an "obvious" disorder.
softWings19
December 16th, 2015 12:36pm
Usually people think that when others say "I'm depressed" they're exaggerating or trying to get attention.
nothingisforever91
December 16th, 2015 1:25pm
Yeah, there are many cases where others dont believe that when some one say that they are depressed because of many reasons.. Like they havent seen you depressed before or they do not have knowledge regarding depression that this can occur to anyone. And another thing is when we meet people we act like everything is good. So when we even say that we are depressed they dont believe easily.
TopHattedTeaMan
December 16th, 2015 4:32pm
Because many people think it is due to attention seeking, You need to express it is a genuine feeling and not for attention.
IreKat
December 16th, 2015 6:20pm
People cannot understand our feelings and situation sometimes.. Or we cannot explain it well to them. When we say to others we are depressed they may find it hard to understand and believe us. Sometimes if we try to open up a bit more or to explain what makes us depressed they may understand and believe us.
CharlotteNoir
December 16th, 2015 10:34pm
For me, it was always important growing up in my family to never show your negative emotions and to sweep everything under the carpet. I learned to smile, laugh, and generally look "OK" even when I wasn't feeling my best. When depression hit, those who were close to me didn't initially believe me because I "Looked fine" and Acted fine". It wasn't until I was officially diagnosed that people took it seriously.
GemmaPearson
December 17th, 2015 4:12am
Some people have no understanding of what depression looks like or even what it really is. Although there may be many levels of depression, at its most basic level, there are two forms of depression: functional and non-functional. Generally people with functional depression feel depressed on the inside, but are still able to function in daily life such as going to work, taking care of the house, personal hygiene, shopping for groceries, etc. People who are non-functional can barely get out of bed. They sleep a whole lot, or sometimes too little. Leaving the house for food shopping, or any reason, is an humongously difficult task. Cooking, cleaning and housekeeping are nearly impossible. They can go many days or weeks without showering. Basically, they want the world to go away. I don't know which one you are, but if the are among the first group, it may be hard for people to recognize that you are depressed. You also should consider the notion that the people around you don't belive in depression. They may believe that depression is something you can "think" your way out of. This is the positive thinking idea that rarely helps people with depression. You need a person in your life who believes you and takes your feelings seriously. You might need a therapist in your life, because you shouldn't have to deal with these feelings alone.
endlessdreamer99
December 17th, 2015 4:21am
Because depression doesn't leave a physical mark, it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and even people who have great lives can get it. Most people don't understand how depression works
clh2os
December 17th, 2015 6:23am
Many people are unable to see from anyone else's perspective except their own. This may cause the individual to compare his or her personal conflicts with yours--and in that individual's mind, he or she may not be able to understand where you are coming from. You have the right to your emotions--but you have the right to seek and conquer happiness. Own what you feel and seek any help you may need to find your road to recovery.
JoeMarlo
December 17th, 2015 6:44am
Many people who have never experienced depression or dont want to acknowledge yours might hide behind disbelief. This is common with parents who refuse to believe that their child is depressed, in doing this and denouncing your depression they are however only making it worse as the best thing a depressed person can do is reach out and seek help. Try being entirely open, serious and forthright about the whole situation and consider seeking professional help for a definite diagnosis and undeniable fact.