How do you tell people?

How do you tell the people in your life that you have depression? Especially if you haven't been "officially" (medically) diagnosed?

Welcome to PC. It is very difficult and a process i would say. First it is a process of self acceptance and trying to rid yourself of the shame that comes with it. Telling others who are safe and supportive can play a big role in getting rid of shame.

Do you have people in your life that you feel will be safe and supportive. By safe I mean non judgmental. If you do have such people the only way is to just tell them. I think I have depression and here is why. Explain to them what symptoms you have and how it affects your life. I find that explaining what it is really like for me and not just saying I have depression goes much further. This is what it is like for me - I have no energy and no motivation, I am not interested in things I am normally interested in, I can't seem to get out of bed, I don't shower......whatever it may be for you.

I've sort of "hinted" around it with my mom; it runs in Dad's family (and I'm pretty sure he's in worse shape with it than I am) so I'm pretty sure she gets the picture. And "hinted" at it with my favorite cousin/surrogate big brother, who, being the lovable hillbilly he is, suggested we out and shoot some tannerite for stress relief. And then I wrote a letter to my best friend from high school, who just initiated contact for about the first time in a good five years, which I'm hoping is a good sign. I'm pretty non-social to begin with; does it ever get easier? I keep wondering also if I should tell any of my bosses or supervisors at work. I work in a very customer service heavy position (I know, I know, probably not the brightest idea for someone who's first instinct is to flee from people) and when the stress gets high, I'm not as in control as I used to be. By which I mean I basically chewed out my immediate manager last month and am having trouble not repeating the incident. I almost feel unsporting for not warning them what a wreck I am right now.

I would seriously consider why I need to tell each person. It's not something to be ashamed about, but people don't always understand it so they don't treated with the sensitivity you need.

Think about people who you feel can help you, be there for you.

I would suggest you see your GP for a complete check-up to rule out anything physical that could be causing your feelings. If you are cleared, I think you should see a therapist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

I don't mean to sound unfeeling - I know what it feels like to be depressed - but it's one thing to think you are depressed and another to have the diagnosis.

First, I'm having to get over my own stigma of depression. I mean, "I'm not depressed, tis is normal for me." At least that's what I've said to myself for years. I even had trouble referring to my T as a therapist or psychologist at first, I said "Mental Health Professional." I don't know why. But it's getting easier. And as it does, I'm sharing more with my family. In part out of necessity, I needed some help and had to turn to my brother, so I felt obliged to tell him why and allowed he and his wife to ask any question they wanted.

Now I'm about to tell my other brother, again I feel it necessary. I think he's as bad off as me but he's not seeking help. So I'm going to share where I'm at and what I'm doing to try and encourage him to go to therapy.

As far as professional contacts, some of them notice and have made a comment to me, I just say I'm fine, had a bad day, tired, stuff like that.

I keep schtum; my parents would worry and can do nothing, and its no one else's business, except my wife and she is utterly normal and takes everything in her capable stride with no fuss or upset. True, I am not quite sure what others make of my, shall we say, occasional peccadilloes, but I am a forbidding character at 6'3, 105kg and an unsympathetic facial aspect, so that might be why it is never mentioned.

[QUOTE=morganjane;3998627]How do you tell the people in your life that you have depression? Especially if you haven't been "officially" (medically) diagnosed?[/QUO
I had a similar problem last year. I was feeling depressed but it's kind of a difficult thing to bring up. I finally told my parents a few months ago, and they regarded me with disdain. "It's just PMS." Yeah, PMS that lasts for a whole year; that happens.
But I'm not sure where this is going, because it's not even advice. Here, have a funny cat gif:

I am sad and it is more than regular sadness, it is depression.