Should You Tell Your Friends About Your Depression?
It takes courage to tell the people you care about you are depressed.
Finding the motivation to connect with others is difficult, and there are unavoidable concerns about how they will receive the news of your diagnosis.
Any circumstance may cause depression—losing a loved one, breaking up, or a chemical imbalance in your brain.
Remember, feeling “sad” is not a clinical diagnosis of depression. Consult a professional if you are feeling down.
Why it’s tough to talk about depression
The last thing you want is to be treated poorly because of your mental health—unfortunately, there are far too many misunderstandings about what it is and entails. Talking about depression can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including:
Stigma: Due to the stigma associated with mental illness, people frequently worry that if they disclose their condition, their loved ones will judge, criticise, or reject them.
Depression frequently results in social retreats, which makes it more challenging to talk about your feelings with friends and family.
Shame: People often feel embarrassed or ashamed about how they are feeling. It’s critical to remember that depression is not a sign of failure and that your loved ones will wish to encourage you rather than criticise you.
But if you tell people you know and trust about your depression, talking about it is one of the best things you can do. You are likely to get the support and help you require at a time when you probably feel vulnerable and alone.
Remember that you can decide who knows and who doesn’t. Don’t let your apprehension about the future prevent you from being open with those who love you.
Why should you discuss your depression?
Naturally, it’s unsettling to think of telling someone you’re depressed. There is no way for you to be sure of their reaction. However, deciding to share your diagnosis and challenges with those closest to you can be incredibly therapeutic, particularly if they provide support and encouragement.
According to Hope Trust’s therapists, talking to a sympathetic individual helps lower stress and lift your mood.
Moreover, sharing your depression with others acts as a safety net, especially if it worsens or you need assistance or support.
In some circumstances, you might even wish to tell a few close family members or trusted friends about your crisis plan. Doing this will prepare them to react if your depression worsens or you start to discuss suicide.
Social support is key
It’s essential to make an effort not to handle depression on your own. You have already heightened feelings of loneliness, alienation, and pessimism while depressed. By surrounding yourself with encouraging people who serve as a constant reminder that you are loved and supported, even when you don’t feel it, you may help combat these emotions.
What to consider before sharing
In an ideal world, people close to you would be sympathetic and understanding, but in practice, some might not know what depression means.
People could want to support you but not know how, or they might accept some of society’s stereotypes about depression. They could also be at a loss for words while speaking to a depressed person.
For this reason, you should know that not everyone will understand what you’re going through.
To begin with, list the people you know who are most encouraging. It would be best if you started by telling these people. But remember that only some professionals are trained to provide emotional assistance.
It doesn’t necessarily mean your friends or family don’t love you if they don’t possess this talent. It just signifies that they might not be the most suitable companions for your journey.
How many should you inform?
There is no ideal or undesirable group of individuals to inform. Each person’s number will vary. Some people decide to tell just one person, while others find it advantageous to inform many people. Only you can choose what is best for you.
Your attitude towards your depression
It is beneficial to consider how you feel about the diagnosis as you prepare to tell others you suffer from depression.
What do you think of depression, and what do you feel about yourself?
You will be more comfortable communicating with people without feeling fearful or ashamed if you understand your feelings and accept your diagnosis.
Bringing up your depression
It’s normal to feel hesitant and a little nervous when you decide to tell your friends about your depression. But it would be best if you didn’t let these emotions stop you from trying your best to recover.
Remind yourself that talking about your depression and what you’re experiencing can be incredibly healing and ultimately beneficial to you in many ways.
Having a few encouraging people by your side can do wonders for your mood. Good friends are a constant reminder of your worth and the value of your life.
Here are a few suggestions for how to discuss your depression with a close friend or family member if you have decided to involve them in your journey:
Pick the right time and location
Choose a day and time when you feel good and want to communicate. If you don’t feel ready or particularly vulnerable, you don’t have to force yourself to talk about your issue.
Pick a relaxed setting to discuss the details, such as while taking a stroll or drinking coffee. Doing something enjoyable together will lift your spirits and serve as a wonderful diversion if you need to collect your thoughts.
Choose how much you want to share
There are no rules about how much information should be shared, so you can do as you choose. Never feel pressured to reveal every detail, and if someone asks you a question you’re unsure how to answer, say, “I’m not ready to talk about that yet.”
Get ready for the discussion
It helps to be prepared, so practise the discussion in your brain or on paper before having it.
Sometimes, while you’re in the heat of the moment, you forget to mention important details you want your friends to know.
Try not to be concerned with what they may think of your circumstances. Remind yourself that they still care about you and want to help, even if they don’t know how.
Let them help you
Your close friends will want to assist if they can, so let them know how they can. Therefore, consider what you could want from your companion.
Perhaps all you need from them is their presence, or you’d like them to attend your first therapy appointment. You could also request that they hold you responsible for any acts that might harm you, such as drinking while taking medication.
Know how to react
Having a response ready for your friends and family can also be beneficial when you disclose your depression:
- Remember that their response does not reflect poorly on you. It’s not your fault if they don’t offer encouragement or compassion. And, if they make an effort to discredit you, gently tell them that you are the one who is experiencing depression and that you are the one who knows yourself the best.
- Avoid discussing depression because it is not your responsibility to inform your friend or support your diagnosis. Don’t spend a lot of time trying to persuade someone to change their mind; instead, point them toward resources where they may learn more.
- If your buddy tries to “fix” the situation or act as your therapist, set some boundaries if necessary by gently reminding them that you are already seeing a counsellor. What you need from them most is their support and encouragement.
What next?
Remember that discussing depression shows that discussing mental health is acceptable and that it is nothing to be ashamed of.
You may be surprised to learn that they also struggling with a mental health issue or have a close friend or family member who is.
Congratulate yourself on having the guts to tell someone else your diagnosis. You’ve just progressed in your healing by one step.
Message from Hope Trust
You don’t have to tell anyone you are depressed unless you want to, including family members, friends, and coworkers.
Keep the facts to yourself if you fear that some people in your life won’t understand or are unsafe.
Remember that sharing your depression with others can be helpful and healing. It shouldn’t be necessary for you to go through this experience alone, especially if you have friends or family who would be sympathetic and encouraging.
Invite your loved ones into your life by reaching out to them. You might be amazed by how much better you’ll feel just by surrounding yourself with a few encouraging people.
Remember to get professional support from a therapist.
Click www.hopetrustindia.com for an online or in-person appointment with a therapist.