Why do people think that I'm depressed to get attention?

It is because people who don't struggle with depression don't understand what depression is. No one taught them what depression is, no one was taught about it at schools (unless they studied psychology, psychiatry or psychotherapy or any other science closely connected with mental health (social work for example)). Most other people haven't got a clue about what depression really is. Furthermore, word depression is overused and abused in media. For example, they say that you are depressed if you are stressed due to long work and that some exercises and relaxation help in this case. But it isn't depression, it is stress which, btw, has some of the symptoms of depression but it isn't the same as depression, such as pain in leg muscless after 5 miles run isn't the same as pain in muscles and joints due to arthritis.

People think this because depression is heavily misunderstood. People who have never experienced depression cannot empathize with those who have, and are currently feeling depressed. It is important to be true to your feelings regardless of what others think or say. It is also crucial to protect yourself from others harsh and uneducated thoughts and words. If you feel that someone is creating more issues and making you feel worse about your situation, you need to distance yourself from them. Depression should be met with empathy and support and love. Not judgement and harshness. It is important to always feel safe.