How to deal with stigma? What if I will be judged for having depression?

You do not have to tell anyone that you suffer from depression if you are anxious that you will be judged, that is a personal decision. As long as you are receiving help and are able to talk to a few trustworthy people, there is nothing wrong with keeping it to yourself if you choose to do so. Even if people do judge you for suffering from depression, that's their own problem and they should reevaluate their judgements and what they say to others. Depression is something no one can control. If people judge you for having an illness, there's something very wrong with their own personal perspective and the judgements they make.... They most likely have never experienced anything close to the pain you are having to deal with, day in and day out. If you would like to talk more... Here is my personal request link: http://www.7cups.com/1679718 I would love to talk to you if you want or need any additional support. Good luck.

Part of what causes stigma is a lack of understanding or misconceptions about mental illness. Reducing stigma in your life can be a matter of reducing time spent around negative individuals, but also requires the consideration of spending time to speak to close friends and family about your experiences and feelings, from the heart. It can really help people to see situations in an entirely different light. The effects of stigma can be very difficult to deal with and may require professional therapy and prescription drugs to help with the occurrence of depression. Importantly, never let anyone make you feel bad about mental illness. Understand that it is not your fault and not something that you can control. Use the frustration and vent it in a positive way. The use of support groups, made for those struggling with similar mental health issues, can really help.

The sad truth is that often people do judge others for having depression. It is better to choose your listeners

you shouldn't feel judged for having depression. depression isnt anything that you should ever think is your fault. if you are indeed being judged, the people judging may not realize how serious depression can be. Have you spoken to anyone about feeling judged? it may help. Best wishes to you!

The people who judge you for depression do not understand where you are coming from, because they have probably never been in your shoes before. They may see the external side of you, but they do not understand the thoughts that are in your head that you face on a daily basis. Thus their criticisms do not really have a solid basis. When you think about it this way, there is nothing they say or think that should affect you negatively. There are many people who, like you, are experiencing depression and who may be seeking therapy. Seeking for help is nothing to be ashamed about, in my opinion. And there are people who will truly understand how you feel and where you are coming from. I suggest seeking these people out and talking to them (you came to the right place for that, 7 Cups).

The Apostle Peter wrote that disciples of Jesus Christ are to have “compassion one of another. show your love and just be your self the lord will bless you

We are all judged by others, it's just a part of being alive. No matter how together we may be, someone out there will always find something to nitpick and judge you about. The secret here is: what people think about your struggles with depression don't matter. This is YOUR struggle, and there will be people in your life who are there to support you. Those are the people who matter, they are the ones who will hold your hand and guide you toward the light. Try not to worry about those who don't understand, or who decide that they have a right to judge you for having a condition which you have no control over.

People can be cruel. But there's also a lot of people who are nice and supportive. Worrying about what other people think does not do you any good. It's okay to have a depression whether other people understand it or not.

To go on despite it and take all the help you can. Some people will judge you in some way or the other, this is just another department for them to judge you on. But not everyone will. Some will actually want to help you in whichever way they can.

I don't think you'll be judged for depression, I think more people have been depressed more than they care admit to others so they can relate in some way even if they aren't vocal about it! And if there is judgment, it's more or less due to a lack of education on the subject. Never feel ashamed for how you feel, that's what makes you human.