Hi smileyk,
I so understand the battle with trying to get people around you to understand how to talk to you or understand you when you're struggling with depression. The thing is, you may be subconsciously expecting that if you explain depression in a certain way that they'll be able to tell you the things you need to hear. In reality, professionals know how to do this best.
In my experience with depression, I didn't share everything with my psychologist and instead used my friends as therapists, always waiting on them to say the right thing so I would feel better. They eventually stopped saying anything at all, and I realised that all I really wanted them to say was, "I love you, I'm here and you will be okay."
By telling you that "Everything will look brighter tomorrow," they are supporting you. They're trying to say what they think you need to hear! Whether it be tough love that translates as a lack of understanding, then sobeit - tough love it still love.
If you feel they genuinely don't understand the severity of depression and how it can impact your life, then it's up to you whether you want to let them in on the details. You can sit them down and clearly explain that it's an illness and that you're struggling - and then the freedom of what you let them in on is up to you. Just depends on whether you feel its worth it.
If you believe that them understanding will actually be beneficial then I encourage you to explain it to them. I know that when people didn't understand me, I wanted them to understand because I was furious that they didn't - that's not the right reason to explain the ins and outs of an illness. The right reason may be because you want to feel supported by someone close to you, you need someone to look out for warning signs, etc.
Imagine if you couldn't see cerebral palsey. There's already a lack of understanding as it is, but take away the psychicality of it and most of the world becomes naive. Unfortunately, this is how it is for mental illness in many cases.
The best person to take this question to would be a counsellor or psychologist, but if you feel as if you're making the right call, then I encourage you to put that into action.
If they don't understand after all of it, it would do good to reassure them that them trying to support you is helpful! It definitely doesn't sound like they don't love you.
Bonnie
