How To Explain Depression To Someone You Love

By The Depression Project

Under any circumstances, depression is a very, very difficult illness to deal with. However, what makes it all the more debilitating is that so many people don’t understand it properly, and therefore instead of giving you the care, empathy and support you need, they're liable to instead say something annoying, insensitive, dismissive, judgmental or even downright rude - such as, for example:

“It's all in your head."
"Cheer up."
“Just get over it.”
“You have a mental illness? Then you must be crazy!”
“I know how you feel” (when that person has never had depression before).
“We all have bad days now and then.”
“You can’t be depressed – there are so many people in the world who are worse off than you!”
“You’re just being negative.”
“You’re just looking for attention.”
“Look how lucky you are.”
“Just do XYZ – then you’ll be fine!"
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”

And, for this reason, having depression can sadly result in you feeling isolated, alone, and completely and utterly misunderstood.

So, in order to make it significantly easier for you to explain your depression to your loved ones – in such a way that they can properly understand this illness and then support you through it – we at The Depression Project have created The “How To Explain Depression” Bootcamp.

In particular, this Bootcamp will include, among other things:

Your very own “depression letter” - since depression can be extremely difficult to put into words, we’ve done it for you, by drafting a letter on your behalf that explains to your loved ones exactly what depression feels like, as well as some of the ways they can support you through it.
Example responses to the most common annoying, dismissive, judgmental comments people often make when you tell them you have depression – in order to help them better understand what you’re going through, and therefore be in a better position to be able to support you.
Cognitive behavioural therapy-based strategies to help you conquer any fears, worries or other reservations you may have regarding opening up about your depression – such as the worry that by telling your loved ones about your depression, that you’ll be bringing them down and/or becoming a "burden" to them; shame because you feel that having depression means that you're "weak", and/or because you feel you have a “good life” and therefore no reason to be depressed; and not wanting to appear vulnerable – for example, because you’re a mom or dad and for this reason, you expect yourself to be the “strong one”.
And more!

If you'd like to get instant access to this Bootcamp and many, many more as part of our Depression Bootcamps Membership Platform, please click the button below to learn more and join.

We really hope that you find The "How To Explain Depression" Bootcamp - as well as all the other Bootcamps - extremely helpful :)

All our love,

The Depression Project Team.