How do I tell people I'm depressed?

I think it is a matter of trust, first of all. There's people we don't really trust with this kind of info, for whatever reason (for example, in my case, my mother thinks that those who seek psychological advise are weak and unwilling to face their issues, which makes no sense, but she's the most stubborn person ever and I haven't told her I suffer from depression: I don't trust her reaction). I think they are best let go. The other people, though? Slowly. Do not burst it out first thing, but work up to it. Instead of "Hey, I have something to tell you: I suffer from depression.", think more along the lines of "You know I've been feeling low lately, and I'm at a point in my life where I need your support: I've been diagnosed with depression and it is very scary." Also, consider why do you want to tell them. What are the reasons that make you feel like you have to share this? That will give pointers as to how to approach the actual conversation: do you just need to get it out of your chest? Do you need support? Do you want them to do a specific favor for you, like making sure you eat well, or that they get you out for a walk every day? Do you think they *need* to know, even if you don't really want to tell? Each situation is different, and needs a slightly different approach. But, in the end, just breathe deep and do it. The weight you'll lift off your shoulders can be huge.

As someone who has struggled with clinical depression, finding a way to get out from under the rock is scary and most of the time hopeless. Depression can be a debilitating exsistance and there becomes this duality of the desire to reach out and the desire to hide. The first step is not only to accept you're depressed but to know and understand you need help and that you are not alone. So often we hide these feelings of depression because we don't want to burden others with our "problems" or make others feel sorry for us... Or turn others away. There's a difference between being sad and clinical depression that many in our society don't understand. It's easy for someone who's depressed to get discouraged when they're not understood. My encouragement to anyone who's depressed is to know its temporary even though it may seem like the world is crashing in. Having hope is an essential part of getting help and accepting help. At times we tell the wrong people, so telling the right person - someone you can trust, rather than telling all of Facebook, is something to strongly consider. You may not get the response you're looking for when you reach out to a general audience of "friends". So who you tell matters significantly in how you get help. So how do you tell people you're depressed? By accepting, hoping, and sharing with the right person/people.

What is causing you to hold back? Admitting this depression is one of the bravest things someone can do. So I commend you on wanting to reach out for help! It is one of the things that can help you from the negative spiraling thoughts. I would start of with those who you love and trust first and experience the vast amount of love and support you're going to get. Then go from there. Also make sure you understand that you dont have to tell those you dont. Nothing is wrong with that.

Sit down with a trusted person, especially one you know will listen and understand. From there, explain to them whats going on and how you are feeling,and try and educate them that this is not temporary sadness but a condition that needs love, support and understanding. Do some research yourself before you get into the conversation. Be patient with the other person as they might not immediately understand, take your time and dont rush the conversation feeling like youre wasting their time and look like you feel sorry for yourself.

I feel down sometimes and tired. Sometimes I sleep long hours. Sometimes I can't sleep. I also feel like having none energy .

I've found that it's best for me to get to know a person pretty well before I tell them about my experience with depression. Once I feel confident that they will treat me with respect and understanding, then I feel more comfortable sharing that part of my life with them. And at that point, I find that simply and honestly sharing my personal experience usually goes well. It can honestly be hard to talk to people about experiencing depression, simply because you can never be completely sure that they will respond in a supportive way. If possible, I try to avoid talking about it with people who I feel won't be compassionate about it. But just know that if someone does respond unkindly, it is never your fault. You are trying to share part of your life with them, and if they don't respond well to that, it reflects a lack of compassion on their part, not any sort of failing on your part. There are many people out there who understand and have compassion for what you are feeling.

"Hey (insert friend or family member's name), I'm quite depressed and I think I need help. I've been feeling this way for (however long)."

It can be very difficult to explain to those around you when you are feeling depressed. I like to make sure my loved ones are aware of my early warning signs; which can include isolation, decrease in pleasurable activities, not answering phone calls, not answering text messages. Many times this is helpful because they might notice those signs well before I do and they can offer an ear to listen or offer a helping hand. Everyone experiences depression differently that is why learning your early warning signs and sharing them with those around you is so vital to you staying in a healthy state of mind.

First figure out that are you really depressed by checking out the symptoms and if yes then figure out what is making you feel so down and out even though you don't always need a reason. After figuring out the reason you can talk to them when you both are completely free. If you are uncomfortable talking to them face to face you can write a letter and put it in a place which is within the I reach

Try explaining how you feel,rather than simply state a fact. Open up to them,try to make them understand.