Why do depressed people push loved ones away?

There are many reason why someone dealing with depression might push loved ones away. These include: - feeling unworthy - not wanting to be a burden - wanting to keep their depression secret - denying their depression - lacking the energy to socialise - wanting to deal with it alone - negative past experiences seeking support - not knowing how to share their experiences - feeling as if seeking support is futile - fear of in-patient treatment If your loved one is dealing with depression and pushing you away, whatever the reason, simply letting them know that you're there for them can still be a big help. Consider whether they're a risk to themselves, the nature of your relationship, and their personality, then use your own judgment to decide how you can best support them. This might mean being patient, giving them some space, and letting them come to you when they're ready, or it could mean being more direct and addressing their depression with a greater sense of urgency. However you choose to support your loved one, remember to take care of yourself along the way.

They are scared to seek help from people. Me personally I was depressed and I seek out counseling and my life is better than ever.

So many reasons, but they're unique to each person... fear of other's rejection, fear of not being loved, not being understood..

because they want to be alone. and they even feel lonely when in a crowd. this is why they push others away. but be there for them! the truth is they really need someone to be their crying shoulder.

Because they think they are the reason everyone is unhappy and is having problems and therefore feel that everyone would be better of without them.

From what I've known, a lot of people that are depressed push others away. This is because they don't want them to feel the pain that the individual is feeling. Somebody once told me that if you do not transform your pain, you will transfer it. By pushing others away you are transferring your pain to them though, even though you might be feeling that you were keeping them from your pain. Your loved ones are there for you and should be a positive part of your depression and moving forward.

Because they don't want to or they don't want others to get hurt. They think that other people don't like them and that they only pretend to.

oh, i can go all night for this. Starting with...because they don' t think they deserve anyone, when in reality the truth is that they are the one who need it the most. They push you away to save you from the trouble they think they are causing you. In most cases they do it..to protect themselves, to protect themselves from the pain they have to endure "when" you'll leave and yes, I said when and not if, because they are very certain that you will leave and that's why they make a wall around themselves. I know, being close to them is not easy for the ones who are being pushed away..but if you understand why they are doing it and if you can assure them that it's not going to happen...well then congrats, you just earned a new friend :)

A lot of depressed people don't feel understood. There is a stigma on any kind of mental illness, so it's difficult to talk about being depressed. Sometimes when people are open about their depression, others don't take it seriously enough or may try to minimize the depressed person's problems. Loved ones may not intentionally do this or even realize they are doing it. Eventually, it just becomes easier for the one who is depressed to live a life of isolation. It's hard for someone who feels depressed to see others talking and laughing as they normally do, or certain subjects may trigger their depression to get worse. The people who are not depressed may feel as though they are walking on eggshells, so they pull back as well. There are many different factors to consider in this situation, and it's best to avoid thinking that it is anyone's "fault." Those who are dealing with someone who is depressed can find ways to take better care and adjust their behaviors and words/topics of conversation to better accommodate the person; the one who is depressed can learn not to take things personally and nurture themselves without having to necessarily hide away from everyone. There is a bit of balance and compromise involved in everything. Each party has to be willing to cooperate and avoid shutting down on people.

because they are afraid that they will also leave them. Like everyone else did and it hurt so they just shut everyone out