How canI explain to my family about my depression

[Alai]

I have a caring family but they don't seems to understand what I'm experiencing. Their advices are always physical health related. Exercise more, eat less sweet and meat, don't drink coffee, don't go out unless necessary, don't go to crowded place, don't eat out as home cook is healthier.

When I show them articles about depression, their responses are "How do you cure this? Have you tried any medicine?"

I would wish they provides more mental support. Ask me to relax, enjoy life, go out to meet people etc. I myself already a introvert and it's not helpful when my family also encourage me to stay inside. I'm already 40 and never have a relationship and no close friends. Covid lockdown to me isn't that much different from my normal life.

Anyone experienced this? How do explain to your family about depression?

[white knight]

Hi

The reason this forum exists for so long is the need for us to - birds of a feather stick together.

My estimate- 80% of people wont and dont understand mental illness or at least are not empathetic. 10% try hard but make little inroads, 5% do undetand and might have an undiagnosed MI and 5% have a MI and do understand fully.

Therefore, I would try to accept that unless you have a physical injury that is visible, you are better off not expecting understanding.

LEGS OF SPOKE
How can I let them know?
When the dark exceeds the glow
When the sun hides behind the clouds
Silence they hear...but I scream so loud.
Some stand beside a 6 foot hole
Shake their heads and see its toll
They ask how he could have dropped
Out of the circle -a forget me knot
Yet they seem to see clear and there is hope
When they sight a person with legs of spoke
A crippled girl pushing her chair
A man be manic- there's no one there.
"Storm in a tea cup" hurts so bad
Like the cyber crow who remains so glad
Keeps flying and in full flight
Achieves his art...in the middle of the night
For some in power see it their way
Even at the side of a 6 foot grave
Shake their head and call out "why"
"Why on earth- he didnt have to die".
So kind some be they reach out so true
Smile away "we want to meet you"
Bring along your vintage car and your smile"
But leave - what's behind your dial.
So we laugh and dine and all's ok
Leave at home come what may
If I be saddled with legs of spoke
They'd lift me around- bloody good bloke.
But as my mind hurts so bad
Cannot hide my feelings- mad?
Can no longer be bloody good bloke
Sometimes I wish.....
I had legs of spoke......

TonyWK

[Gambit87]

Its hard to talk to people who have never experienced depression or any other mental illness about mental illness.

I appreciate theyre taking the time to listen and trying to be supportive but its like speaking English to someone who doesn't understand a word english.

The best you can do is give them material so that they can educate themselves and let it go! Surround yourself with people who understand what youre going through (support groups, psychologist, forums like BB).

[Sophia16]

Hi Alai,

it sounds like you are going through a difficult time. Sometimes families don't really understand the negative effects of mental health.

Personally, my family think mental health is a myth. It is ironic because I'm studying psychology.

Sometimes, we have to educate our families so they learn. It is hard to expect things from them when they don't really understand what's going on.

Maybe try and show them an article or a video that explains what depression is and how it is affecting you.

Stay safe and I am always here to chat.