People who are depressed often have difficulty talking about their condition or asking for help. Embarrassment, shame, confusion or a desire to deal with the problem alone are just a few reasons why talking about depression is so difficult. However, people who take the time to learn how to share their feelings and thoughts about depression have a better chance of receiving the support and help they need to feel better.
Step 1
Write down a list of things you’d like to share about your depression. Consider discussing your emotions, your physical symptoms or the way the depression is interfering with your life. You may also consider talking about ways you would like to get better or ways the other person can help you cope. While you don’t need to bring this list with you when you have the conversation, organizing your thoughts on paper may help the conversation easier and more effective.
Step 2
Initiate the conversation. Try to choose a time to talk when you feel relaxed and not rushed. Thinking of a specific way to start the conversation ahead of time may prove useful, but simply saying “I think I might be depressed” usually suffices, suggests information published on KidsHealth.org.
Step 3
Share specific feelings or experiences. For example, simply saying you’re depressed or sad isn’t as useful as sharing that you find it too hard to get out of bed in the morning to go to work or that your friends have stopped calling because you never want to hang out anymore.
Step 4
Ask for what you want. Asking for help or support is tough, but it can make a world of difference. Many friends or family members are happy to help, but may need to be told specifically what they can do to make you feel better. This may include helping you schedule an appointment with a counselor, helping you with errands or simply letting you call them to share your feelings.
Step 5
Try again. It can be very difficult when someone doesn’t come through for you after having a conversation about your depression, but this doesn’t mean you should give up. Try talking to another friend, family member or counselor until you find someone that is able to help.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not have family member or friends available to talk to about your depression, you may want to consider joining a support group, suggests information published on MayoClinic.com. Support groups come in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, telephone and online groups, so most people can easily find a group that will meet their schedule and needs. Ask your doctor, therapist, insurance company or county health department for referrals.
- If you ever have suicidal thoughts, don’t wait to see if the feeling goes away or wait until a family or friend is available to talk to you. Instead, call a doctor, therapist or 911 immediately.
