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

For the longest time I have kept my depression to myself. Hiding it from everyone. People were noticing changes in my behavior, despite my best efforts. Finally this past week I shared with a close family member. The support I received was amazing! The fear of being judged or looked at differently was a wasted stress. I felt lighter and a bit optimistic knowing that someone knew and still accepted me, even with depression. She encouraged me to seek professional help and am optimistic that I may one day have the happiness I once had.

You should tell someone you trust that you are feeling depressed so that you have someone to go to or to help you find somebody that could help, medically. You don't have to tell everyone. But you need to get help.

No you don't thats it up to you and its your private information no one has the right to know your private information

I don't think it's anyone's business. If they are really caring people or your friends, they will notice it without your saying anything.

for me it was an important part of the recovery process, but you certainly don't need to tell everyone

No. If I didn't feel safe telling them, I did not tell them. Some people are cruel, or not understanding, and can make it actually worse.

yes! it's very impotent to tell people how you feel. this will help people to understand, and it will also help you to accept the fact! it's always easier to talk to people if you are being honest to them, and when they know how you feel, it will be easier to get help too, so you can get better!

I think everybody have to decide this on their own. You have to live with your decision. Sometimes it's better to take down the mask that hides your real feelings. So maybe you can get support. On the other hand you never know the reaction of other people. So.. Thats not a easy question. You have to do for what you feel the most confortable.

Talking to someone about how your feeling when depressed is the first point to helping dig yourself out of the depression. Be it a health professional and or a close friend who will listen to you without judging. Recognizing something is the first point of recovery.

Yes, dealing with depression alone is very difficult, you need someone that'll guide you through these dark times.