When you’re feeling depressed, it’s normal to want to curl up in a ball and be alone. You might feel like no one understands what you’re going through, and that—on some days—you don’t have the energy to explain it. You may feel as though you don’t belong, or that you can’t shake the persistent loneliness.
We’re here to tell you that you are not alone in this. There is support available to you and people who are willing to talk and listen. Plus, there are many other people walking in similar shoes. Depression is incredibly common, affecting almost 30 percent of Americans at some point in their lives.
In order to overcome the difficult symptoms of depression, you need to talk to someone. You cannot keep bottling things up. We understand reaching out can be scary, but it’s so important to talk to someone about what you are going through. Whether it’s a trusted friend, parent, or counselor, the right person can listen to your struggles, offer a shoulder to lean on, and get you the help you need.
Who can you talk to about depression?
Right now, you’re probably asking, “Who do I talk to about my depression?” However, we suggest asking yourself this, instead: Who do I trust? Who do I feel heard and supported by? Who do I think will give me the attention and guidance I need right now?
There are many people you can turn to when you’re struggling with depression. Each person might handle the conversation differently. Some people might not fully understand it, while others might become a valuable resource to you. It’s important to find someone who you trust, who makes you feel comfortable and validated, and who listens to you without judgment.
Here are some possible people you can talk to about depression:
- Trusted friends and family.
If you have supportive friends and family—even if it’s just one person who stands out to you—talking to them is a great place to start. More than likely, they know you pretty well, and may already suspect something is wrong. By opening up, you can lighten your load and stop hiding how you are feeling day-in and day-out. Although this person might not be able to cure your depression, they can be a constant source of support when you need to talk things out. They can remind you how much they love you, believe in you, and see the good in you, even on your darkest days.
- A teacher, coach, or school counselor.
School is a place that’s full of supportive resources, if and when you are ready to talk. If there is a teacher you trust, a coach you feel connected to, or even a school counselor available, consider carving out some time to meet with them one-on-one. Especially as a teenager or college student, going to school can be overwhelming if you are not feeling 100% your best. By having someone to turn to within the school system, it can make your days a little bit easier. This person can also meet with you confidentially, away from peers, and help you navigate any challenges or feelings you might be facing. They can also connect you with other mental health resources, and/or adjust your workload to accommodate your mental health needs.
- Your primary care doctor.
If you believe you are struggling with depression, and your symptoms are getting in the way of your everyday living and happiness, you can always reach out to your doctor for help. Your pediatrician, primary care provider, or even the school nurse can talk to you about your experiences and rule out any issues with your physical health. They can also offer you a mental health screening to more formally detect and diagnose any possible conditions you may be facing. For many, completing a mental health screening is illuminating. It offers a name—and a solution—to the difficult symptoms they have been facing, and allows them to get on a path to recovery. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan or point you in the direction of mental health treatment and therapy.
- Mental health professionals.
There are many types of mental health professionals you can talk to about depression, including licensed counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. There are also mental health treatment centers, like Turnbridge, who have a staff of specialists ready to help you, when you are ready. The benefit of talking to a mental health professional is that they are fully specialized and experienced in your condition. They have worked with people battling depression and understand what you are going through. They also know how to help you overcome your symptoms, can offer you valuable tools and coping mechanisms, and put you on the path towards a happier, more meaningful life.
- Support groups.
As we mentioned above, there are millions of people out there facing depression—you are not alone. As a result, you will find many support groups out there, made up of other people facing and recovering from depression. In a support group, you can share your experiences and hear from other people walking in similar shoes. They may talk about their daily challenges, as well as strategies they use to cope with depression. In addition to offering mutual ground, support groups also provide a sense of belonging and can help you feel like you are part of a community. Support groups can be found in-person and online. If you are unsure where to find one, talk to a mental health specialist about your options locally and virtually.
- An anonymous helpline.
Of course, reaching out is not always easy. You may be scared to talk to someone about depression. Or, you might feel like there’s no one you trust enough to reach out to. If that’s the case, we encourage you to use a hotline to talk it out. There are several, confidential hotlines and text lines available for those struggling with mental health disorders. These phone lines are run by caring people who are trained to listen and make you feel safe. They can offer you feedback, or simply a listening ear, when you need it most.
How to talk about depression
Sometimes reaching out to someone and talking about depression can be hard. You may be scared of what they might think, or you may feel awkward starting the conversation at all. However, don’t wait to have these discussions. Talking to someone about your depression can have an almost-immediate effect on how you’re feeling and coping.
And you can keep it simple! If you’d like to talk to a loved one, friend, or even school faculty member, you might start the conversation by simply pulling them aside. Ask if they have a minute to chat now, or if they seem busy, ask if you can talk to them privately later about something that’s been bothering you.
More than likely, they will carve out the time to listen and speak with you. And when that time comes, just try to be honest and be yourself. You might start by saying something like, “I’ve been feeling very down lately and need to talk to someone about it.” Wait to see how they respond. If they care about your well-being, they will ask you to tell them more. At that point, you might express any negative thoughts you’re facing, feelings you’re experiencing, or behaviors that have been concerning you. That can really get the conversation moving.
Remember, it’s important to have these discussions with someone you trust, and in a comfortable, safe environment. If you are worried about things like confidentiality, or judgement from your peers, consider setting up a separate and private time to speak with this person, or choose another outlet for support. It’s important to set yourself up for a productive conversation, where you can open up.
If you are still unsure what to say, it can sometimes help to write down your thoughts and feelings first. This helps put words to your feelings and organize your thoughts, preparing for a conversation. You may also consider writing a person a letter if you are afraid of speaking in-person. Or, use a helpline to practice talking to someone—a stranger—about your depression to get more comfortable with it.
Signs you should talk to a doctor about depression
Depression is very common, but it should never go unaddressed. Ignoring your depression can lead to more difficult symptoms as well as negative thoughts and behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicide ideation. With that said, it’s never too early to go to a doctor if you are worried you might have a depressive disorder. Additionally, you should always call a doctor if you are showing the following signs:
- Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness that last for several weeks (or more) and exist most of your time—sometimes without explanation
- Loss of interest in once-loved activities and hobbies, as well as withdrawing from loved ones
- Significant fluctuations in weight, appetite, and sleeping patterns
- Lack of energy and motivation to carry out day-to-day tasks
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including self-harm
Learn more about the signs of depression here, and know when to seek help.
Finding support for depression
If you are facing depressive symptoms and are unsure where to turn, you can always reach out to Turnbridge to talk. Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider specializing in depression among teens and young adults. We are here to listen to your concerns and can help you determine what’s the best next step for you. Call us today at 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist.