This feeling of shame...

[argn5]

I hate telling others about my anxiety and depression because I get this immense feeling of shame and fear of judgment. And they probably wouldn't judge or anything but it just feels like they would. And it's like you betray your self, and your body is betraying you. Because there is nothing shameful about mental health issues and no one should feel that way. But I guess it's considered normal to a point. I just wanted to let others know that they're not alone in this feeling. And to be proud of who you are.

[Hidden]

Yes that’s an awful feeling ..

I’m familiar with that and the vulnerability that can be felt.

Best wishes to you x

[Hidden]

It’s hard. I suggest sharing when you have too. I’ve learned that I only do it when I need too like going through tough spell or situation where I am having trouble

[Hidden]

I was always told by my mother to never tell anybody I have depression. She made me believe it to be something to be ashamed of. Now I tell people who I think need to know and I am not ashamed of having it. I agree that we should be proud of who we are.

[fauxartist]

Listen....this is not your fault.....we all understand how you feel.....society, friends, and sadly even family often have the same social stigma's, and the world just hasn't caught up with reality about mental illness, depression, etc. So if you are talking to someone who doesn't have these issues, it's hard for them to understand. And you often get advice that is more harmful than good. And talking to them about it often leads to frustration and even more anxiety, because some want to help but really aren't qualified to help.

Never be ashamed, or guilty, or feel you did something to deserve this. Depression is a chemical deficiency in the brain. So are many other issues we all have here. Some also have trauma, such as child abuse issues, PTSD, unresolved grief.....all we can do is learn as much as we can about our issues, and how to manage and cope with them. We learn to live with our issues, not let them define us.

[pink318]

Hello- Thank you for sharing this.

When my sister was diagnosed with depression, one of my other sisters said, “She has no reason to be depressed. What’s her problem?”

I talked to my family about this matter, that no one is excused for depression because that is an illness. After I talked to them, they understood and they give their full support to my sister. Being surrounded with people who love and support the person going through this illness is very beneficial. Praying and letting them know that they are not alone will help them to overcome this illness.

Try to talk to someone you can trust, there is no shame in having depression and anxiety. Please stay in the forum, I hope you will be encouraged by the replies here. I hope to hear from you again. Praying for you. God bless.

[Music85]

I am going through this too. I am always feeling misunderstood or judged by people at work