Help

[FChris]

Um so I think I might have some form of depression but I'm too scared to tell anyone and I'm worried and really scared that I might need help 😭

[Greenlakereener]

One thing I have learned is that there are millions of people suffering from depression. It is very hard to start talking about it because you feel ashamed of the way you feel and don't want people to judge you. Start by talking to your family physician. Maybe he can help. A lot of friends just don't understand or wonder why you are depressed when your life seems so great!

Also, go to the library and get books on the subject and books on being happy, as they sometimes help. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Hi there are a number of online depression tests you can take and this will give you a guide. If you think you are depressed there is no shame in seeking help. You haven't got to tell anyone if you don't want to unless you are a minor, in which case your parents might need to be informed.

As long as you are an adult it is confidential information and your doctor will abide by this.

[KathysKid2016]

Don't be afraid or ashamed to tell someone. Fight the urge to hide it. Find a trusted person to talk to and you will feel so much better. Be choosy with who you tell. As others have said, some just don't understand. I hid my anxiety for years, and told myself I wasn't strong enough, smart enough, or capable to handle life. I berated myself over everything. It got so bad that I developed depression. I finally called a help line provided by my job. Wow! Did it feel good to tell someone! I am now in therapy and working hard to get better. Please seek help. Start small. You'll be so glad you did.

[Ajax2734]

I suggest telling someone you trust for support. However, if you are not comfortable with that, or in addition to that, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. You can get professional help without others knowing and choose to reach out and tell your family and friends on your own terms. If you don't want to see a professional there are many resources online and in print to help you identify what is going on and learn self-help skills. There are ways to cope and increase your quality of life out there, it is not worth it to feel miserable!

[lynzee720]

To add to the important words so far: I find that carefully selecting who I share the fact that I have depression with is important. The response I get can be helpful or damaging. It is helpful if they understand what depression is and are not judgemental. Since depression can be a passing mood or a mood disorder the term is confusing and many think of the passing mood. So being told, " Hey go out and take a walk, that will help you feel better," or or asked, " Why, what happened?" doesn't help. This can be frustrating. I realize it is best not to try to explain as I may never be heard.

[Dave_H]

I agree with the previous poster. People who've never had depression will sometimes inadvertantly say hurtful things, things that imply that you are weak or are somehow choosing this, or it's just a character defect, pull yourself up by your own bootstaps, and so on. They're not _trying_ to be mean, they think they're being helpful because they've been _down_ before. The greatest shame there is is that there is such a stigma about mood disorders that many people never seek help. That's the real shame and one of the big problems with this overly-competitive society. Seek help for you own well-being. Only you can reach out, no one can do it for you. It does take courage, and you may not get relief right away, but make it a quest to get better. You deserve it.