[InsideOurSkin]

Hi everyone,

My name is Christine and I am fairly new to this forum. I’ve been hiding my depression for about 6 years and it has never gotten really bad till now. I’m constantly consumed by it and find that I have no peace in my mind. I just went this morning to see my college’s psychologist and pretty much just spilled my guts out. I’m now set up for therapy once a week and shall see the Psychiatric ARNP next week to possibly be prescribed antidepressants. I feel like a chunk of the weight is off my shoulders,though it’s only the beginning;I'm glad I finally took the initiative.

I would appreciate any advice on how to admit having depression to people such as family members and friends. I am particularly afraid to tell my mother what’s going on with me. I know I cannot tackle this alone but I hate how I will most likely be scrutinized by others ,and people’s opinions of me will change.

[Vampyre]

I feel your pain. I don't want them to worry nor to think differently of me.

I've hid it for about 10 years and I too am afraid to tell my folks. The only one who knew from the beginning was my best friend who past 7 yrs ago and now, only my boyfriend. He's helped me a great deal. My therapist had told me that I'd should mention to my folks about my condition and therapy I'm receiving but was content that I had support with my bf.
I hope I never have to but if it I do not get better, my bf will come with me to tell them.

Do you have someone very close to you that can talk about it with? Perhaps they can help you for when you decide to open up to your family and other loved ones.

I wish you luck.
I hope

[InsideOurSkin]

Originally Posted by minimomo

I feel your pain. I don't want them to worry nor to think differently of me.

I've hid it for about 10 years and I too am afraid to tell my folks. The only one who knew from the beginning was my best friend who past 7 yrs ago and now, only my boyfriend. He's helped me a great deal. My therapist had told me that I'd should mention to my folks about my condition and therapy I'm receiving but was content that I had support with my bf.
I hope I never have to but if it I do not get better, my bf will come with me to tell them.

Do you have someone very close to you that can talk about it with? Perhaps they can help you for when you decide to open up to your family and other loved ones.

I wish you luck.
I hope

I have never really confided fully in someone but I have had a close friend in mind that I suddenly became distant with due to my depression. I hope I can get enough strength to explain it well enough. It will definitely take a lot out of me to tell family members. I really appreciate your encouraging words. It's comforting to know that there are others going through the same stuff.Thanks!

[Direction]

I would definately work with your therapist to discuss some specifics of how to let your loved ones know...

Do know one thing...when you are able to discuss with others...it probably will be uncomfortable and reactions may be a bit unpredictable...but it is worth it! Once your secret is no longer the power that secret held in your life begins to break down.

[turquoisesea]

I had a lot of trouble telling people too. I think the most important thing is you pick carefully who you tell. I don't want to be negative here, but some people's opinions WILL change. Other peoples just won't. Other peoples will change in a POSITIVE way - because they can understand a bit better why you can't keep up with what they're doing or whatever else they can understand you better, and people like being trusted I think.

For what it's worth despite some negative consequences of my telling people I'd do it again. It's a great relief having it out there and not having to put that fake face on for everyone if you don't want to. I think it's an important step on your path to recovery from this.

take care

[InsideOurSkin]

Originally Posted by Direction

I would definately work with your therapist to discuss some specifics of how to let your loved ones know...

Do know one thing...when you are able to discuss with others...it probably will be uncomfortable and reactions may be a bit unpredictable...but it is worth it! Once your secret is no longer the power that secret held in your life begins to break down.

It is definitely a topic I will be addressing during my therapy session. I guess I have to just be prepared for anything that a person might say to me. Thank you!

[InsideOurSkin]

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

I had a lot of trouble telling people too. I think the most important thing is you pick carefully who you tell. I don't want to be negative here, but some people's opinions WILL change. Other peoples just won't. Other peoples will change in a POSITIVE way - because they can understand a bit better why you can't keep up with what they're doing or whatever else they can understand you better, and people like being trusted I think.

For what it's worth despite some negative consequences of my telling people I'd do it again. It's a great relief having it out there and not having to put that fake face on for everyone if you don't want to. I think it's an important step on your path to recovery from this.

take care

Thanks for the great perspective. I know some people will see me differently but I guess it will only strengthen me in the end,to know who has my back and who doesn't.
I definitely can relate to putting on a fake face too. Get's me every time when I act like everything is alright with me just so that no one has to worry about me.

I hid it then my parents found out when I ended up in hospital. They were really hurt because they had no idea. If I could change anything it would be to have confided in them earlier that way I would have had extra support and it wouldn't have been so much of a shock to them. I still try and hide it from my family, but it's a big relief having your family know even if you dint want to talk about it to them much like I dont. Maybe try writing it all down if you'd struggle to say everything face to face that way you say everything you want to say etc etc. That's what I do it's much easier. Jess x