Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How can I inform others that I suffer from depression without being stigmatized?

12 Answers
Last Updated: 11/13/2018 at 3:06pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Moderated by

Jennifer Patterson, LMFT, ATR-BC

Art Therapist


Top Rated Answers
October 30th, 2015 9:40pm
Stigma can be extremely cruel but telling others what you're growing through can sometimes be healing. It's up to you if you want to take that step, and here at 7Cups, we'll back you with the decision you feel most comfortable with. Often, stigma is the result of ignorance, of doubt, of misconceptions. If you explain how it is from your point of view, perhaps you can open their eyes to the reality of mental health. Does that sound okay?
April 24th, 2015 12:59am
In my experience many people do not take you seriously when you try to tell them that you suffer from depression, this is due to the fact that people often misunderstand what depression is. With the help of people who are qualified in these areas I brought awareness to people around me that depression was an illness that I had did not have control over but that I could help myself to get better.
November 13th, 2018 3:06pm
Hello there.. First of all, you should know that depression is not shameful or disgraceful. Depression is a serious matter and it is nothing to be stigmatised about. In fact, it is a reaction towards certain events that constantly push you to the edge. It is your mind getting fed up of acting okay, your sanity getting tired of struggling to stay intact. Trust me, i know the feeling. Some people regarded me as an attention seeker or oversensitive or anything to explain my depression, which i was naive enough to believe, when, in turth, it really isn't. They were simply not trustworthy enough to be told of such sensitive matter. I know this is nowhere related to your question, but if you were about to let people know about your issue, let only the trustworthy ones know. Otherwise some will hurt you more, push you further into that corner. And that only worsens your depression. I hope i was helpful in a way.. Take care ^^
March 3rd, 2015 10:50am
I'm often sad and tired. Some days I find it difficult to get going. I want to hide under the covers where it's safe. How can I change this routine that has encompassed me?
April 7th, 2015 5:44am
find and article on depression and make them read it! it is so hard to make people understand when they don't really know much about the problem
May 9th, 2015 12:09am
Make sure you fins others that show you support in other areas first, that way you can share anything with them with no worries.
July 21st, 2015 5:31pm
I have to choose which people to inform very wisely. People who show empathy to others would be more open to put themselves in my shoes.
October 26th, 2015 7:02pm
People will always stigmatise it unfortunately but there will be some who will accept you and the depression. Those are the ones who should be able to help.
October 10th, 2016 7:09pm
I don't really advertise the fact that I suffer from depression, but if it comes up in conversation, I will gladly discuss it. I think part of erasing the stigma of mental disease is talking about it, especially one-on-one.
November 7th, 2016 6:38am
From my side, I told my best friend one on one, I sat him down and slowly explained what was happening and that I needed help.
January 17th, 2017 1:37pm
You have to accept being stigmatized, at first. Sorry, but this is not your fault... It's more of a cultural problem. People will get informed if you can describe precisely, try not to be to emotional if you want to be taken seriously, what you are passing through. People are simple: explain precisely, get a more precise help.
June 20th, 2017 7:10am
Sit them down quietly and explain that depression is more than just "feeling sad". Describe how you feel like you would if you were writing it down in a journal. Only share what you're comfortable with, with people who make you feel comfortable.