Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?

401 Answers
Last Updated: 06/26/2023 at 4:18pm
Do I need to tell people that I'm depressed?
★ This question about Depression was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
Take the first step toward feeling better
Begin your therapy journey today and receive $25 off (use code 25OFF7C)
Moderated by

Kare M, MS, LCMHC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Imagine a life where you're able to embrace your true self in all areas. Together, my hope is to unlock your potential towards building more self-awareness and authenticity.

Top Rated Answers
Profile: beautifulOcean
beautifulOcean
May 10th, 2016 11:12pm
If you feel the need to tell people around you, that it would help you to get better, then yes. Assuming you're already getting help, in regards of talking to friends about it, that's a personal decision that just depends on how comfortable you are. I found it was very useful to talk about my depression since my friends found ways to help me if I ever did fall back into it. All personal preference :)
Profile: resourcefulLove83
resourcefulLove83
June 28th, 2016 1:21am
You don't need to tell anyone about your mental health other than health professionals that are treating you. That's it. They're the only ones. You may *decide* to tell other people. Sometimes it helps to have a support group. You may decide not to share with others because there is a certain social stigma that comes with depression, despite that fact that millions of people are living with it every day. So tell a few people you trust. Or don't. It's up to you. Because it's your mind, and your health.
Profile: fancyLake23
fancyLake23
July 16th, 2016 3:01am
It certainly is preferable but not necessary. Its hard for people to understand others emotions especially when someone is depressed, it makes it even more difficult.Depressed people maybe living a normal life as like anyone but the only difference is they become emotionless, so it would be advisable for them to stay with someone they like more, know more, spend time more, so that it becomes easy for the other person to notice the change in the mood/behaviour/reaction of this individual in response to anything, and do their best to help the depressed person get back to normal.
Profile: cuddlyKitty77
cuddlyKitty77
August 30th, 2016 2:55pm
yes without saying something people will never know you must always ask for help your not bothering them
Anonymous
September 12th, 2016 3:11pm
well not really, you can tell it to people that are supportive and are close to you so they can help you but you don't need to make it public
Profile: eximsam19
eximsam19
June 5th, 2018 4:22am
More important than knowing the answer to this question is making sure that the answer is your own. There are numerous different approaches to dealing with depression, and they're really all equally valid. Some prefer to keep their depression to themselves out of fear of a backlash or social stigma. Which is understandable, since mental disease still remains a taboo subject in our society even today. Others prefer to air out their sorrow by sharing their state of depression with as many people as they are comfortable with. In my own case, I've tended to take a balanced approach in the past. I've chosen to speak about my depression with all those whom I trust, and no one else. The key for me has been to not stay inside of my own head all the time. In that respect, perhaps discussing one's depression with the people one cares about can be a step in the right direction.
Profile: MrMistoffelees
MrMistoffelees
August 25th, 2019 10:45pm
You should do what ever makes the most sense to you. This could mean that you only tell a couple of friends and/or family, however that could mean telling everyone. If being depressed is something you're embarrassed about, I would recommend that you only tell people who will support and care for you, so that they can lift you and allow you to tell more people. I would also recommend that you eventually do become open about it because honesty is the best way to have healthy and enjoyable relationships. Seeking professional help may also assist you in your journey.
Profile: SereneRainbow286
SereneRainbow286
November 21st, 2019 2:50am
You don't have to tell anyone if you don't want to, but it would be advisable to let some important people in your life know about the way you are feeling so that they can make sure to check in on you. It can be easier to cope with your depression if you have a community of supportive people around you to talk to and to help you with your depression. Depression by its nature is hard to cope and deal with, so I would advise you to tell some close friends or family. If you are afraid that you are going to hurt yourself, then please do tell someone, and if you need to talk, feel free to message me.
Profile: McDupie
McDupie
December 2nd, 2020 1:52pm
Depression comes in so many different forms that sometimes even the people closest to you wont realize it. Only if your comfortable in sharing such news should you do so. Please just realize not everyone will know how to respond or deal that information. Hence it is a risk at times as it can have negative effects. Generally I will recommend sharing the information as it helps not only you to acknowledge it but also helps others in understanding you and your situation better and thus creating a more helpful environment in the process. Just note not everyone deserves to know the full knowledge of your depression and hence seek out those that can be trusted with this knowledge
Anonymous
April 6th, 2021 4:15pm
While telling someone that you're depressed can be helpful for many reasons, it should not be understated how important it is to assess the situation before making your move. For example, some questions you will want to consider are who you want to open up to, why you want to open up to them, and whether you feel that they will be receptive to the news. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that depression (along with other mental illnesses) still carries a very negative stigma in our society. While this may not always be the case, this is generally true for most situations, and you need to be very careful. You'll need to figure out if telling this person will be worth the risk. While we all wish that this were an ideal world where we could be open about mental illness, the world isn’t there yet. In a professional work setting for example, declaring that you suffer from depression may open you up to discrimination. On the other hand, you may have a very understanding boss who will be accommodating if you ever need a day off, or need additional support on difficult days. It's up to you to assess the risk of opening up. Risks are also present with family and friends. You may have those who are completely dismissive, e.g. they don't believe mental illnesses are truly an "illness", or they may be on the other end of the spectrum and be incredibly supportive. Again, this risk is up to you to assess. My opinion is that if there is a need for that person to know, if there is a good reason why you want this person to know, if there is a very good chance that they will be supportive, and if there is very low risk that they will react adversely to the news, then it may be a good idea for you to tell this person that you suffer from depression. Otherwise, you might want to hold back. The insight I’m offering here comes from my own experiences, along with things I’ve learned and researched over the years. In my own experience, my parents weren’t receptive, and opening up to my school or workplaces would have had detrimental consequences. Some of my “friends” were not receptive, and we shortly went our separate ways. A few of them were very receptive, and were there for me during the darkest times.
Anonymous
February 6th, 2023 10:38am
The decision to disclose your mental health struggles, including depression, is a personal one and ultimately depends on your individual comfort level and needs. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional can provide you with support and can also help you feel less alone. Talking about your struggles can also lead to greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues, reducing stigma and creating a more supportive environment. On the other hand, if you feel uncomfortable sharing your experiences or if doing so could potentially put you in harm's way, it's okay to keep your struggles to yourself. The most important thing is to prioritize your mental health and well-being and do what feels best for you. Remember, seeking help and support is a brave and important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being.