Help!! How to explain??

[Blak3]

I've been on this forum for a while. I think I may have some kind of depression/anxiety and have discussed a bit on the forums.

My friend finally has questioned me about it (he is being friendly) and I'm freaking out. Anyone have tips?

[white knight]

Hi black.

Its really mature of you to ask this question. How to react to inquizative friends.

Unfortunately most people won't understand. Google Topic: they won't understand, why?- beyondblue

So unless they are very close to you, trustworthy and are of a compassionate personality I would be wary of saying anything.

Be aware that any emotional issues could be used as a weapon if you fall out with them. Its happened to me on two forums and I'm 60yo.

You can brush it off. "Oh, my do tors appointments are for guidance ...no big deal" if they persist tell them its confidential. It is rude for people to persist.

Hope that helps. I admire you.

Tony WK

[Blak3]

Hi Tony

Thanks for your response. I do feel like I trust this person but I don't really know what to say.

I just think that they know something is wrong and are catching on and maybe want to help. As I said I still am not even sure if I have depression/anxiety but I think I do which is the hardest part of all this. If you were going to tell someone you trusted do you have any tips?

Thanks again

[white knight]

I'd ask then what do they know about depression. Or do they know anyone with depression.

If in doubt always ask a question....get them to talk.

I was going to inform a trusted friend once. We were playing golf and he turned to another player as they were talking about a local guy. He said "he's a but case that bloke, he's scitzo". I never told him anything.

People can be cruel. So just be careful and if you make a mistake...well that proves you're human.

Tony WK

[Blak3]

Thanks again for your advice

I'm working towards a proper conversation with this person but I am being careful.

Ever since he mentioned the question (yesterday), my brain has suddenly gone into this new anxious feeling which is: What if I don't have anxiety/depression and it is just a phase, what if I'm being selfish? I'm sorry because I don't want it to seem in bad taste if I don't. I have done the research and looked on the website but I'm still not quite sure.

Did you ever feel like this? If so do you have any advice?

[pipsy]

Hi Blak3. Tony's casual approach is right. I am a bit of a people watcher. I see some people who are a bit slow or to use the old term (retarded), I personally am against any term like that. I prefer to call them 'slow'. Perhaps if you both know someone with a mental handicap/depression you could get your friends opinion. If he 'name calls' that should give you an idea. Even if someone does have schizophrenia, they're still people with feelings. Did your friend ask you if you had depression/anxiety, or did he just ask if everything was alright? Tread carefully, till you're sure.

Lynda.

[Blak3]

Hi Lynda

Thanks for your help.

My friend did ask about depression/anxiety specifically.