I've never told anyone I know in real life

About my problem. Only some people I talk to online know. I'm afraid they might think of me differently if I say anything.

welcome to pc, hannah. i've found that i carefully pick which friends i discuss my depression with. why? most "norms" may either lack the compassion or the understanding of how debilitating this can be for those of us that have it. hopefully in time you will know which friends you can tell if you need some emotional support irl. meanwhile know that you can count on me to understand and i am always willing to listen, too.
i'm glad you found us and hope it will help you know we are here for you. having depression doesn't have to be a lonely life, it's just natural for a lot of people to just not take the time to gain knowledge about why we are what we are.

If that's the way you feel comfortable.

My first step was telling my mum I thought I had it. I thought she would laugh at me, or think I was jsut being my usual hypochondriac self. To my great suprise, she agreed with me and had been thinking about whether to bring it up for a while - she recognised the signs from her own mother. After that first person it was easier to tell me friends - but then again, I only have close ones who I know can be trusted.

So,don't feel pressured to tell anyone outside of the internet if you don't want, but if you do, pick someone you trust the most.