When I was first diagnosed I didn't want anyone to know, but I did tell my siblings because they knew something was wrong. But I struggled with them, they didn't get it. They started challenging me after being in treatment for a while - why wasn't I better?, why was I still on medication?, I needed to change therapists. And unfortunately, they didn't get it until I was hospitalized for being suicidal.

I was in a therapy group, but it wasn't based on depression. The members knew I suffered from depression, they listened when I was struggling and they were supportive, but they didn't really understand it either until I was hospitalized

I didn't tell my parents until years later. When I did tell my dad his health was failing and he has since passed away. I only told my mother because my pdoc and tdoc really pushed me to do it. She was more upset that I hadn't told her before I told my siblings and that I waited so long to tell her, than she was that I was suffering from metal illnesses that I inherited from her (oh, and she was indignant that I didn't get this from her) I don't have a good relationship with my mother so I don't include her in my care. I rarely talk to her.

Only a few of my close friends and a few family members know. Some of those that don't know would be OK with it. I just don't need them to know.

I am careful about who I tell. I think about why I want them to know. I think about the consequences of telling them. Simply, I consider the plus and minuses of someone knowing. I'm not telling anyone just to let them know. That serves no purpose.

Unfortunately, mental illness is still very misunderstood by those who aren't therapists or patients. Either they see it as a character flaw, treat us as if we're made of glass or they avoid us.

I would suggest you let the friends you have told know that you want to be open and honest with them, and if they are willing to know when you're having a hard time you will tell them and you'll let them know if you need their help, but not everything you say that is negative is the result of your mental health.