coming out

[Laura]

When/how do you "come out" as depressed to friends and family?

[Zaf]

Apart from telling my husband I dont unless 100% necessary

[Ezel]

Apart from my husband and family I rarely mention it - then it's only with people I really trust.

[lbruk]

when you feel like you trust them

[Munchroom]

My close family and friends know.... but if its possible then I simply don't tell people. A few people at work know (maybe its been a bit of very dull gossip on a boring day, i don't know...) But whenever I have told someone, its seemed either like they twigged already OR its a reaction of complete and utter surprise! Seems to be no middle ground...

xx

[tharidler]

hi laura
i think it will depend on friends and family as you will maybe have a idea who will be receptive for me personally it is very immediate family only personally this is because i have heard the snap out of it speech before and also even though there has recently been a pretty good ad campaign depression is still very misunderstood we can only hope that will change having said all that follow your instinct as others have posted sometimes people already know.

[Glen53]

I talk to my wife about things. Other than that, i only tell people if necessary.

[lou]

i have no worries telling anyone about it, i'm very honest about it. if they dont like it thats their problem i  am who i am! but you must only speak about it if you want to, i wouldnt hide from it you have nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about.good luck coming out if you decide to :)

[xwardx]

My mum and Dad found out because I sent them a text telling them I was going to commit suicide...not a good way for someone to find out unfortunately!

My husband knows and so far none of my friends or other family know I am paranoid that people will have a different perception of me, treat me differently, alienate me etc. They probably wouldn't even do that i'm just too scared to even risk that happening hence why I love this forum because I don't really have many people to talk to about it and already feel like my mum and hubby get sick and tired of me 'whinging'.

I think it's important that at least one person knows so they can support you, with regards of how to tell people just don't leave it til it's too late like I nearly did.

[Holykimura]

My partner, siblings, dad and close relatives know. I tried telling my best friend and I thought he took it well, havnt heard from him since I suppose it just goes to show that even to this day there is a massive stigma attached to mental health, i rember telling my boss, and her words to me were i need to assess whether you are a risk too the children in the school, i have to safe guard and protect them. It made me feel so alienated like i had some deadly disease that i could possibly spread to the kids! My own brother finds it awkward to even talk to me about it. If anyone were to ask me I wouldn't lie about it but at the same time I'm not going to broad cast it purely for the sake of peoples responses to it.

[Ally]

I've only told the people that need to know.
My partner (bless her cotton socks, she does as much as she can to help me and I am blessed to have her)
My dad, I think my brothers know
Work, but only the people in work that really need to know (team leader, manager, HR)

Other than that, I keep it to myself. But I am not been good with sharing these days due to people stabbing me in the back.

[Got]

I tell everyone apart from those I work with....as I dont want it to affect my career. Maybe in the future I will tell people. The stigma for mental illness is appauling. People with mental illnesses are not useless, and they are not neccesarily nuts. Look at Zaf...she has depression and is very capable woman. I have OCD, suspected ADHD, always suffered depression and now have just been told I am on the bi-polar spectrum. If people suggest to me that depression makes people week minded or useless, they will 1) loose the argument and 2) learn very quickly that I'm not weak minded.

I would like to dedicate part of my life to helping those with mental illness. The stigma in society needs combating by those who are willing, insightful and educated enough in this matter.

This is a moral tirade here, I'm not suggeting that others should do the same. Depression is hard to deal with, and people don't need to be judged or question when they are suffering from depression.

Steve X

 

[xwardx]

Extremely well said Steve you summed everything up perfectly I couldn't have said it better myself