Dear Feelin_low
Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. Glad you wrote and I hope that the lovely people who "live" here will chip in to help you.
The problem with all mental illnesses is that they have been stigmatised for so many years that the community in general is confused about what to do. To state the obvious, you cannot see the illness so how do you react to it? There is a huge amount of information available on this site. Go to the top of the page and click on The Facts. The drop down list will give you options for information. While you are there explore all the other tabs and see what is available. BB has a wealth of information.
If you have only disclosed your illness to your family and close friends, why not talk to them about it and offer them some of the fact sheets? Under Resources there is information specifically for family and friends.
One of the difficulties with depression and anxiety is your perception of other people and their attitudes towards you. I think just about everyone who posts on this site feels that others don't want to know them because of the depression etc. And sometimes this is true, sad but true. But not always. When people have no knowledge of depression and its effects, they can shy away. When we were younger it didn't matter what other children looked like, sounded like etc. Children just accept and it is so sad when we grow up and start judging and categorizing others.
This is what this web site is about in part. Not only do the participants help and support each other but BB supplies factual and accurate information about various mental illnesses as I have said above. The idea is to spread the word that because you have a certain medical condition you are not crazy. So many people have depression these days and need understanding and care. You and I are amongst that number and as far as possible we can tell others what it is all about.
I'm not suggesting you put a banner outside your home but talking to people in your life can help both them and yourself. And when you present them with information written by a well respected organisation such as BB, people tend to listen.
You said you had been diagnosed with depression so I presume you have some help and support in this area. Are you taking medication? Sometimes it helps but of course this is up to you and your medical practitioner.
The most straightforward way to manage the situation with your family and friends is to be open with them about how you feel. They don't know if you do not tell them. Or just give them the information. It may be that some may not want to stay with you and that will be very sad. But friends have a remarkable capacity to care and support, so trust those you feel comfortable with.
Please try not to isolate yourself. We have a dreadful urge to hide in these situations and it is unproductive. Keep your courage and live in the world as much as possible.
Write in here as often as you need. I will look forward to reading about your journey.
Warm regards
White Rose
