My closest friends are aware of my depression and they are very supportive and they are always there to listen to me when I need it. They do not judge me but I still feel sometimes that I shouldn't be 'bothering' them as much as I do, in spite of their reassurance that is ok to talk about it!! (guilt anyone?!) I think that's also why I have found this forum so helpful. People here understand me, either be a forum member, or a health educator, but they know what I am talking about and that makes it easier to talk about it, if you know what I mean. Friends are fantastic but I needed this too.
Also not all friends have the ability to empathize or know intuitively what to say when it comes to depression. In spite of the fact that they may have your best interest at heart, they may not know what to say or how to deal with it. I am truly grateful for having the friends I have almost always they are extremely supportive.
I love this! I'm so glad you brought this up. For the past few years I absolutely refused to go see a therapist again because I was so sick of trying to fix my depression and way of thinking, but I realized a month ago that I really need to start working on myself again. Ignoring my problems really got me no where because I crashed so much harder when I didn't try and figure out what I truly need (i.e. self-kindness, not self-criticism).
I still have a lot of trouble bringing up my depression with anyone other than my therapist because I'm afraid it will be tiresome and annoying. One of my best friends told me a few years ago that I was "too much," and that really affected me. How do others deal with this?
Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help you feel better and family and friends may understand you better. Talking about your depression and feelings is a sign that you are ready to deal with your depression and learn how to live a happy, healthy life. So talk, talk, talk…
