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How do I take the first step?

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Hi Windh0rse,

This is a tough one. Is can be very scary telling people about depression as stigma around mental disorders unfortunately still exists. However, social support and understanding can be very helpful when overcoming depression so telling others can be a relief. I can't tell you what the right thing to do is but here are some questions to get you thinking about what would be right for you:

What would do you want to gain from telling your employer? Your family? Your friends?

How would you want them to react? What if they don't react this way?

What is the best thing could happen?

What is the worst thing that can happen?

What would be important for them to hear?

What would you not want them to know?

How do you yourself feel about your diagnosis of depression?

How would you feel or react if a family member, friend or coworker disclosed they had depression to you?

If you feel comfortabe feel free to post your answers here and we can work through your thoughts together.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6

Hi Windh0rse

What you are considering would definitely take courage. You are right to wonder if it is worth it to lay it all out there. There are going to be benefits to confiding in certain people and a definite cost to presenting yourself this way to others.

I have people at my work for instance who would probably pee themselves laughing if they knew about my depression. Some of this is just because they are from a different genereation (there were still "Hospitals for the Idiotic" in their day), but some is the opposite; they are too immmature to understand and empathize with others.

But the thing about people is - and this is a fact: they believe what they want about you. If their perception of you now is that you are weak, then telling them that you suffer from depression is going to confirm that for them. If they think you are lazy - same thing; you came up with a lovely diagnosis for yourself to get out of work.

I wish you well and that whatever course you take is filled with as few simple minded people as possible.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1

I dont know how to get the courage to face my problem and reveal to my employers, family and friends what I am going through.

I worry about the loss of control and the risk of employment loss or diminishment in responsibilities. I also think that have managed well enough with my problems for so many years that, despite it pitfalls and problems, it may well be better than medication and counselling. It seems to me I can keep what the bird I know versus giving it up for two in the bush is my protection mechanism. It is not clear whether the two birds in the bush are going to lead to a better place or very public display of the problems I am coping with.

What I am trying to gather is both the courage and data to face my problems. Advice and guidance appreciated

Thx

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How do I take the first step?