[Whoaminoone]

It always feels like I end up MORE misunderstood-or whiney-when I try to explain things (virtually anything)! Like trying to explain my depression to someone, no matter what I say, I get responses like "Quit feeling sorry for yourself" or "Your life doesn't sound so bad to me" or "Why don't you stop being a baby and DO something about it". I'm just SO frustrated....!!

[TheOriginalMe]

I've been feeling really whiny too. As for trying to explain stuff, I usually come straight out with "I find it hard to explain" or "If you've never been there, you won't really understand what I'm saying". It sort of disarms the critics and is incredibly patronising which gives them a taste of their own medicine.

Some charities and organisations are working on cards to give to people when they don't understand mental illness. I can't remember where I read that but it sounds like a good idea.

You're not alone.

[DogTired]

What I hate the most is when people tell me I'll feel better when winter is over and it's warm out again. People seem to assume that just because I'm depressed it must be seasonal and when I tell them in no uncertain terms that it is NOT seasonal, they don't always respond so well. But I am not going to respond to their need for a simple solution by trying to accommodate them. Sometimes life is messy and it's darned near impossible to get yourself together and there isn't an easy fix. Tough cookies if it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. It is what it is. I like TheOriginalMe's suggestion of saying "If you've never been there, you really won't understand what I'm saying." Hang in there. We get what you're going through. I hope you find the support you need from your friends and family.

[Frankbtl]

Hi Whoami, there's a chance that you're explaining it just fine, it's just that some people just don't "get it". So not you, but them. Depending on the people though you could try to make them "get it" (or "get it" just a little bit more?).
For instance don't except the:
"Quit feeling sorry for yourself" or "Your life doesn't sound so bad to me" or "Why don't you stop being a baby and DO something about it"
Tell them how disrespectful those sorts of comments are and tell them a bit more about how it is for you.
I know comments like that can make you feel so disheartened..........especially after you've tried to explain something so personal, and you might want to just give up on them but if you feel that you can just let them know how wrong those comments are.
They still may not truely understand but at least they may get a little closer.
And I'd say that talking about how you're feeling/depression shouldn't be seen by anyone as whiney, it is what it is, the feelings are very real, and you're not choosing to feel that way, you do feel that way.
And....anyway........at least you do know that there are people on here who are going to understand how you feel if you're struggling for support out there. We're here for you!!
Alison

[newmercies]

Originally Posted by Whoaminoone

It always feels like I end up MORE misunderstood-or whiney-when I try to explain things (virtually anything)! Like trying to explain my depression to someone, no matter what I say, I get responses like "Quit feeling sorry for yourself" or "Your life doesn't sound so bad to me" or "Why don't you stop being a baby and DO something about it". I'm just SO frustrated....!!

I can so relate to what you are saying. I never talk to anyone about my depression, especially my family, for that reason. They don't understand and they just say things that make me feel worse. Of course, I end up alone most of the time, which is not good either.

[Fuzzybear]