Apparently it's...

[Amanda]

...World Mental Health Day today, so maybe spend the day looking after you and it's maybe a good way to start conversations with anyone close to you to see how they would react to your mental illness if you are thinking about confiding in them?  Kinda like:

You:  Did you know that it's World Mental Health Day today?
Them:  Nope, not at all
You:  How does it make you feel to know that there's a worldwide day bringing awareness to mental health?
Them:  "It makes me feel worried about the people who suffer from it" OR "It's all codswollop to me"
You:  Do you know anyone with mental health issues?
Them:  Yes OR No
You:  (if you feel comfortable talking to them) How would you feel about someone confiding in you that they have mental health issues?

etc etc 

You've started the conversation about it and you're starting to get to know how they truly feel about mental health without actually saying you're talking about yourself until/unless you feel able to confide in them.

[The Rani]

I steer clear of talking about depression as too many people think it's just an excuse to be miserable.  Trying to educate is something I'm seriously thinking of doing as it's long overdue that people shouldn't be shamed for suffering with it.  My brother is a good example as he knows a friend suffers with depression but he refuses to take it seriously  .

[Amanda]

I steer clear of talking about depression as too many people think it's just an excuse to be miserable.  Trying to educate is something I'm seriously thinking of doing as it's long overdue that people shouldn't be shamed for suffering with it.  My brother is a good example as he knows a friend suffers with depression but he refuses to take it seriously  .

Yeah, I've had people like that for most of my life too.  If you know your brother's friend at all, how would you feel about starting a conversation with them and letting them know that they aren't alone?  Maybe talk to your brother about your depression in the third person, at least to start with, too?

[Pip]

Good suggestions Amanda, over the years I've had to learn to choose my arguments - ahem - educating people.

[Amanda]

Good suggestions Amanda, over the years I've had to learn to choose my arguments - ahem - educating people.

You are so right, Pip.  My father didn't believe in depression and I wasn't allowed to have it as I wasn't allowed to be "weak" because I was his daughter.