Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?
401 Answers
Last Updated: 06/26/2023 at 4:18pm
★ This question about Depression was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
Perfect therapy for people who need help. I would like to say, I never can imagine it could be possible to heal people like that
Ta
Tania
Moderated by
Kare M, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Imagine a life where you're able to embrace your true self in all areas. Together, my hope is to unlock your potential towards building more self-awareness and authenticity.
Top Rated Answers
Sometimes talking to someone when you depressed is good for you.They can help and can give advice or you and them can do something.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 10:47pm
Suffering in isolation is extremely painful and only compounds distress. You don't need to tell everyone about your depression, but telling a feel close friends or family can help your healing immensely by having a support network.
From experience I can tell you that it is a good thing to talk about your depression, but talk about it with people that you trust completely. For example, your therapist, a close friend, your parents etc.
No. You don't need to share anything that you don't feel comfortable with sharing. But remember, letting your close know about the way you feel can make them understand your behaviour better. And also - it's good to talk to friends. They can help!
No, you don't need to tell anyone. I would encourage you to develop a support system to help you through your struggles, but it is completely up to you whether you tell anyone. Mental health still has a big stigma attached to it, so it is completely understandable to be reluctant to tell others about your depression.
Yes, you do. We all need a support system. Whether it is family or friends, sharing the load with the people who care about us is a great help in overcoming depression.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 4:12am
Only if you are comfortable with the person you are telling, or if you feel like you may harm yourself. Having someone in your 'inner circle' who knows that you are battling depression can go a long way towards being better able to cope. When someone you know has also experienced depression, it makes such a difference to have someone around who 'gets it'. It has definitely helped me realize that I am not alone in my struggle. And that it is okay if I need to adjust the way I function in order to cope.
That's all up to you! You don't have to do anything that you don't want to, and the decision to share your personal struggles with depression is just that -- personal.
That said, seeking support for depression is an essential component for recovery. Whether you're reaching out to a mental health professional or getting community support online or in real life, having other people keeps you from feeling overwhelming isolation. And if you believe the people in your life will understand, you can share your struggles with them so that they understand where you're coming from and what you need from them.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 2:55am
Depending on the person you tell. For example, like friends and family is a definite yes. Not others
No. Depression isn't something you should tell everyone. It usually makes people look at you in a different light. However, it's that's what you want, then it's all up to you.
You don't have to tell anyone if that isn't what you want or feel like doing, but if they're close to you and you know they'll react well, they'd be a good support system for you
First you need to take a step back and think about if you trust that person with that information. If you do it also be good to consider if that information would be important to tell that person.
It is very important to tell someone that you're depressed. However, be careful about who you trust. Find a friend or adult that you TRUST, and tell them that you're depressed. That way, they'll know immediately that you're serious and will be willing to find you the help you need.
I honestly think you should. Once that's been lifted off of you chest you can stating taking the right path to becoming better.
You absolutely do not need to tell people that you are depressed. While it could help so they could understand why you do certain things, if you are not comfortable sharing this then just don't tell them. You can tell as little or as much people about your depression that you want.
No, not necessarily. You don't have to tell people that if you aren't comfortable. If you feel the need to then it's fine, but it all depends on if you think it'll help your situation.
Suffering alone can be hard so we need the support and love of people we can trust that have good intentions. I suggest only telling the people you trust that care about you, are supportive and non-judgmental.
I would advise to let the people in your life know about the problems you are facing in order to get the support you deserve and need. A family member or close friend is always best as you can trust them the most. It is easier to cope with knowing you have someone there for you. Also having someone who has some idea of what you're going through can be useful because some days will be worse than others and you won't have to explain to much about how you are feeling if they already know your problems. Additionally, it can make you feel less alone knowing someone feels the same way. However everybody doesn't need to know your problems because you also need a place you can go where nobody knows about that side of you somewhere you can go and forget about your troubles.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 7:32pm
Only if it is truly necessary and with people you trust like your best friends, spouse, or family members. Never feel pressured to tell someone.
you dont have to shout it out, im sure you dont want to, but if you think you are your family might be able to help you seek professional help, if that is necessary. But it is useful to not fixate on it, so theres no point telling EVERYONE and tlaking about it ALL the time, it shouldn't be a secret though
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 11:07am
Those you love and trust. Not everyone needs to know, but if you happen to be like me, people know anyway.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 10:15am
you don't need to if you don't want to. i don't see much help in telling anyone you are depressed. i the most importan thing is that you know it yourself and try to work on it by seeing a counselor or talking to someone you trust about it.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 9:31am
It is a personal choice whether you tell people that you're depressed or not- I have personally only told people that I trust as it is truly a very personal thing to me
You only "need" to tell the people you want to tell, and who you trust.. Do not tell anyone if you are not comfortable.
No! You do not have to, but if you would like to do so go ahead. There is nothing wrong with telling someone you trust what's going on in your life.
Anonymous
December 26th, 2015 10:16pm
It might be a good idea too. They might be able to help you. No one has to go through depression alone.
If you can't bear to keep it inside yourself. If you try and hold onto your pain too long, it'll overcome you. It'll become you. It'll slowly eat away at you, and turn you into something else. If you don't think you can hold it inside you and fight it on your own, you have to tell somebody. Because, I can promise you, you don't want to become what depression can turn you into.
No, If i tell a member that i am depressed, i don't want them thinking that i can't help them. I want the person who needs help to feel comfortable talking to me and feel safe.
Anonymous
December 26th, 2015 7:59am
I don't feel the need to talk about it, but it makes me feel like I am separate from other people if I don't.
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2014 9:48pm
No. Not necessarily. It may come as a comfort if you have someone checking in on you. But you have no obligation to tell anyone if you don't want to.
Related Questions: Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?
What do you do when you have no passion or drive?My anxiety is getting worse and depression won't let me live my life, how do I overcome this?I feel sad a lot, unmotivated, and I often can't stop crying for many hours. But I sleep and eat decently and I also can smile or laugh sometimes. Am I depressed or just sad?How to get things done professionaly at work when I'm very depressed?How do I keep myself from getting to attached to people?I am struggling with codependency and depression. I cannot afford therapy. What can I do to get help?How do I help explain to a parent that what I feel is valid after they reacted badly?How can I open up to people more even if it scares me?How to deal with depression fallout?Why do I hate myself so much?