[misunderstood12]

Hey, I'm an 18 year old girl and i have depression. I am the only one in my family with it and I don't have anyone to talk to. I don't like talking to therapists or friends because i feel judged for who I am. I explain that the way I think is not my choice but people are always turned away. If anyone wants to talk about depression or life or anything I could use someone who won't be judgmental. Thanks

[fortythree]

Hey, hi.

The first thing that comes to mind is this: my best friend's long-time boyfriend wanted nothing to do with me. He thinks I'm a freeloader because I am on Social Security for being Bipolar. He does not believe mental illness exists. So you are right to be somewhat cautious about talking to people, even to your friends. It's unfortunate, but there is still stigma regarding mental illnesses.

My friend Julie had a really hard timeunderstanding how I felt, especially my suicidal thoughts. She said suicide would never cross her mind. But she had known me long enough to recognize it - that the "healthy me" was different and then suddenly something would change. She knew that I didn't feel well and that it wasn't (as Bruce thought) something I could just pull myself out of. She could see that I really did not want to feel depressed.

People do not understand depression. Many people think it's what they feel when they are sad or kind of down. Stuff that they can distract themselves out of, which goes away after a short time.

So you are right to be cautious. But know that there are a lot of us going through what you are going through. But there are also people who do understand and care. It's worth it to take some risks, because we all need friends who love us, understand us, and can distract us from those thoughts we don't want, even if it's just for an hour or two.

You'll be in my thoughts.

Hi misunderstood12,

If you haven't already, you might want to check out the depression forum on here, theres usually always loads of interesting stuff on there and hopefully you should be able to get any support you need. In terms on having more people to talk to, maybe you could write a letter and give it to a friend you trust the most? Even if you talk face to face you could always start by saying that you want to tell them something but fear you might be judged - hopefully then they will be a bit more understanding. When i told my friends about my disorder i made it very clear that it wasn't something i wanted to discuss constantly but from time to time i may need a little support - and they were cool with this Of course if your in crisis then theres plenty of support lines which are there to listen when you want to get things off your chest. Good luck and if you want to PM me anytime feel free

[Fresia]

Welcome to PC, Misunderstood12.
There are many supportive people in the forums here at PC that are very understanding. The depression forum as mentioned above can be very helpful....

http://forums.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6

Best of wishes and hang in there.

[lizardlady]

Hi Misunderstood12. Welcome to PC. Like some other suggested try the depression forum. I think you'll find help and support there.

[IceCreamKid]

A therapist's job is to assist people without the sort of judgment you fear. I hope you find some helpful people here, but I also hope you get over your prejudice against therapists. I don't believe they deserve to be judged so harshly.

[(JD)]

I, too, am disappointed that you don't wish to see a competent therapist such as a psychologist. Properly trained doctors do not judge anything you say... but help you realize why you say what you say and think the way you do.

But it could be that you feel you've been judged your whole life and maybe don't know anyone who doesn't judge!

It's a good time now to get squared away, and find someone to talk with... you have your whole life ahead of you and it doesn't have to be depressive. You won't always feel so sad... there can be better days ahead. Keep looking for a therapist until you find one you like

[EvangelinesLost]

Hello, love. Welcome to PC

My mom always says that i "choose" to be negative and to argue when really its not me, sometimes i don't even know why i am saying the things i am, or even arguing, once it is over i think "what just happened" so i know it is not choice, neither is depression and how you view life and things. you are accepted here, no one will judge you or anything like that... However you need to see a T or psychologist, it is really good to get a 3rd person view on ur life and unbiased advice. I promise they won't judge you they see some pretty sick people in there long career and you will not be the worst, they see a lot of people similar to you and may even relate in some ways! You can always try it for your initial free session (if ur insurance covers it) and if you don't like it then so be it. Best of luck!

[premmiemumma87]

Hugs

Were all here for you to talk to, but I think you need to find yourself a trusting therapist. They do wonders xx

Sent on the move with Tapatalk.

[lancetrot]

Hi
Welcome to the board. You are not the only one suffering. You can vent out here if you dont want to share it either with your friends or with your therapist.

[aramirez99]

Originally Posted by misunderstood12

Hey, I'm an 18 year old girl and i have depression. I am the only one in my family with it and I don't have anyone to talk to. I don't like talking to therapists or friends because i feel judged for who I am. I explain that the way I think is not my choice but people are always turned away. If anyone wants to talk about depression or life or anything I could use someone who won't be judgmental. Thanks

hello! I am not judgemental, I dont think, and would be happy to listen/read and talk with you if you want. I usually tend to make people laugh, usually at me, but you may still giggle!

[Tomjones]

The chat rooms are good. You're welcome to talk whatever you want to me if you find me in there

As for judging... I always found the idea odd, people saying "Don't judge me!" and it leaves me thinking "Why, and how, and what would it achieve?"

[tribal]

Hang in there. This forum seems a good place to rant and share whats on your mind! Tell us some stories!