family support

How long did it take for your family to understand your situation and offer their support?

I'm tired. I really wish they could understand. But I'm already at my limit..

I'm sorry your family is not understanding your pain. I was lucky, my immediate family came through for me from the start. Have you had any of them go to therapy with you? It might help them understand more. Living with someone with depression is not easy and it takes a lot for the family to understand the pain and agony it causes. You might print off information regarding depression off the internet for them to read. I really hope you make some head way with them.

I'm sorry you're family isn't that supportive :/. I suppose mine is in a way, they say they are but they are constantly downplaying my disorder and telling me that I should be able to cope and I worry too much. Well of course I worry too much..it's an anxiety disorder. I think sometimes it's tough for families because either they're scared or they just don't want to admit someone has a problem, I've seen that a lot. I hope you can find support elsewhere, perhaps in therapy or with a close friend?

I know how you feel, my father constantly accuses me of using depression as an excuse, he doesnt understand at all. i literally hate myself. just tell them its not really their business....look at all the suicides, ppl do get depressed, its a chemical inbalance and you have no control over it, just cry and tell them, you're trying to do your best to get the help you need.....thats all you can do, just try and do the right thing

Currently in therapy. But pdoc and T are stressing how family support is key. How it's vital. But it's been really really hard to get them to understand after numerous meetings with pdoc AND T. I've been defending them all these while saying that they're trying to understand but I'm already giving up.

My mom says to me that it's all my fault and I'm the one to blame and all and this is exactly the reason why I don't tell them things. I don't want to tell them things and in the end I get a negative remark.. and thus I have to find the extra strength to make myself feel better... away from those remarks. Mom is also not really supportive of me going to the docs, though she does pay the finances part of it. *sigh*

My family doesn't understand it and never will...now all I have to do is come to terms with that realization. Too bad that isn't as easy as I wish it would be.

My mother told me tonight that she thinks mental illness is just a weakness and anyone with it is weak. I should be able to cope just fine, nothing is wrong with me. I'm just weak.

I hate it when people say this and it really hurts, especially from family. They have no idea the hell we go through, really the people who have mental illness are the stronger ones because we have a daily struggle not only against everyone who doesnt understand us, but ourselves as well.

I've come to the terms to be honest. But I'm just tired of hearing their remarks, and trying my best to not let the remarks get to me so that I won't self-destruct. But I already cannot do this any longer

great thread, and all so sad, and so true. But great, helpful advice, as well. I can really relate to a lot of what's been said and have nothing to add now but to wish everyone to be well and hang in there!

Thanks anne! Hope you're hanging in there too..