[TheLastChapter]

I am very open about my depression. If someone asks me what is wrong I am very honest about it. I don't do it for attention or special treatment though. I just want the world to become more educated. When I was diagnosed, I had no idea what depression truly was. All I knew was that I was constantly crying, gaining weight, never left me house, and I was extremely sensitive. But what was depression really? Did it mean that I was going to become a numb zombie? Or was I never going to smile or laugh again? No thats not true. I smile. I laugh. It just doesn't happen as often as it would in a non depressed human. And yea, when I become very emotional I feel kind of numb, but I am not a zombie. Does any one else feel like the world likes to stereotype us? Like I am not a statistic. I am a person who just has a chemical problem in my brain. It just makes me so upset that people do not understand my problems. Or the fact that I am not going to turn to drugs and alcohol to help numb myself. Have I thought about it? Yes. Will I do it? No. I just want the world to understand me better.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, TheLastChapter.

Originally Posted by TheLastChapter

It just makes me so upset that people do not understand my problems.

This is an entirely understandable reaction to the various ways people react to those suffering from depression.

As I've withdrawn from the world, I encounter few people who ask what's up with me. With that, though, I employ a strict need-to-know policy. I reveal my diagnoses only to a handful of individuals.

Here are a couple of my favorite resources that might help some people understand depression:

Ellen's Depression Primer (MentalHelp.net)
Allie Brosh's Personal Description of Depression

Please make yourself at home here.

[Altered Moment]

It is what I want too. To be understood. I am also very open about it because I want to reduce stigma and educate. But I know a big part of it is the need to be understood. We all want that. It is not so much the causes which we can argue about endlessly but what it is really like for me when severely depressed and the fact that I can't help it when it hits. It just hits.

[Curupira]

I feel you. My best friend has an autoimmune condition and uses the spoon theory to explain educate people. I started adopting it for my depression (with her go ahead). It is nice because there is a large portion of the population that actually understands the spoon theory. SO when I say sorry I can't go out tonight because I ran out of spoons or I need to save my spoons most people get it, and will explain it for me to those that don't

[TheOriginalMe]

I'm not feeling to brave about talking to people about my depression right now. I'm due back at work next week, I've been off for six months. No-one has told my coworkers the reason for my sickness, I would be quite happy to field their questions if they already knew, but I don't feel like starting the conversation. I'm also in trepidation of the question "Are you better?" All in all I just wish I could slide back into the office and not speak to anyone.

[waterknob1234]

I do wish people out there could understand depression for what it is, an illness. It is an illness. It is not a state of mind we can easily or willingly snap ourselves into or out of. I think we feel the need to be understood. And yes, we are regular people from all walks of life, not "crazy" people.

[lilypup]

Since I have gotten older ( and on disability) I am much more open about my condition. I tell friends and relatives and even people at church. I just don't care what they think. Igive presentations to reduce mental health stigma and it has been really good for me.