I have been diagnosed with depression. What do I tell my family and friends?
Anne’s comment:
Because of the stigma surrounding depression, we have been careful with whom we share the facts of what we are dealing with. It has been essential to have the support of family members, and we have found it extremely important that the family members living in the household with the depressed individual work with a therapist so that they can have a comprehensive understanding of depression and be a part of the healing process.
Anthony’s comment:
I have preferred not to discuss my struggle with depression with friends or family. I have found that family members may become needlessly frightened, and friends are more apt to shrug it off with comments like “who isn’t depressed?” or “you’re just stressed out.” Be careful in whom you decide to share with. In spite of extensive media coverage of depression, there remain doubts about depression and what it is about. People may not give you the reaction that you want, which can cause further problems as well, as you may question the sincerity of your friendships. Unless in borderline need of hospitalization, it may be better not to say anything, depending on the situation.
Although there is a greater understanding in society about depression, stigmatization continues to exist, and there can be concern about what to share about the condition with your family and friends. The decision to share information about your diagnosis can be fraught with more worries as to how others will perceive you than, for example, if you had to inform them of an infectious disease, a heart condition, diabetes, or even cancer. As with any other illness, you have a right to your privacy in terms of disclosure. Certainly, the more you can open up about your depression, as with any illness, to people close to you, the more support you can garnish in your time of need. It is reasonable to use discretion in sharing anything personal about yourself; the same holds true regarding your depression.
However, if you do not discuss it with people closest to you, you may be more apt to feel shame about it and inhibited in obtaining help and remaining on the treatment plan that you need. Stigmatization results when people hide shamefully behind what bothers them. It is easier for people to hold on to their biases if they believe that they do not know anyone with depression or any other mental illness. Close family and friends are more apt to be supportive than you may believe.