When It’s Time to Talk: Discussing Depression with Your Love Ones

Some people have a hard time understanding mental illness because it’s rarely seeable. It’s hard to know what goes in someone’s head. This is especially troublesome when it’s your family who doesn’t understand you. Your partner may not understand it. Your parents may wonder what you have to worry about. Your siblings may not fully understand, either. If you have children, talking about your mental health may feel like showing weakness, but it’s not. It shows that you too are human and have your own problems.

Your loved ones should empathize with each other and help one another out. Here are some ways you can do so.

Tell Them You Have Something You Want to Talk About

It’s usually not good to suddenly talk about your mental health during a family dinner or a sudden meeting. What you should do is go up to them and explain that you have something you wish to speak with them about. Tell them it’s about yourself so they don’t worry that you’re mad at them.

Be Blunt About It

When explaining your depression to your love ones, don’t beat around the bush. Don’t tell them five stories at once before you get to the point. Explain your depression. Tell them your symptoms and what you believe is the cause, if there even is one.

If your depression is due to something your family did, don’t try to place the blame all on them. Don’t use accusatory language like “You did this.” Say “I feel this way” or “This is how I reacted.” This can help your family be more empathetic.

Tell Them to Read Up On It

You’re probably not a mental health professional, so you can’t fully explain your depression or may have a hard time describing it. What you should do is tell your family members to look up more information. Suggest the family to do some research on depression from reputable sources.

If They Listen

If they listen, you can have some people to talk to your depression about. Sometimes, they may open up about their own depression. Many times, your love ones especially family members may deal with depression as well. It can be hereditary, after all.

If They Don’t Listen

Some loved ones just won’t understand your depression or not be sympathetic. Sometimes, it’s ignorance, and other times, they’re willfully ignoring depression for whatever reason. If this happens, don’t try to force it on them. Instead, you should speak with someone who is more qualified.

Better Help?

If you’re depressed, a counselor or a therapist can help. They can find the reason for your depression and work with you to try to handle it. In the meantime, they can teach you ways to cope with your symptoms.

Sometimes, a counselor can help you explain your depression to your family as well. If you have a hard time describing it, a counselor can help by explaining it in a way your family can understand.

Don’t be afraid to talk to anyone about your depression. You deserve to be listened to.

About the Author

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.