Eperience taught me not to tell anyone about my depression. Because when I did, they wouldn't talk to me and they looked at me like I was a serial killer! But now someone from work sees me waiting in front of my therapist' office. I can't lie so I think they realised when they saw me all getting red... Plus there were some other events that makes it impossible to keep this dirty secret from them. Well...I live in a small country, in a small city and working for a small company.
I'm so scared! I was feeling pretty good with here, with these coworkers, but I guess I'll have to find another job...again..because I can't stand their looks and attitude. And again, it is a small city..

i think you should hang in there, so they know about your depression, its ok . maybe they will be even nicer and if they look at you so what , move on i am sure many of them have had bad or sad feelings, toughen it out , it will die down once they get something else to talk about..

I know that you've had bad experiences in the past with people treating you differently but that doesn't mean it's going to happen this time. Depression isn't a "dirty little secret" and you shouldn't be ashamed that you suffer from this! Please let us know how it goes when you go back to work.

I agree that it's not a dirty secret. Or, it doesn't have to be. The quote about there being no good or bad, but our thoughts make it so, comes to mind.

The fact is, 1 in 4 people will have a mental illness at some point in their life. You may find that this includes some of your colleagues. If not now, in the past. Or they may have a family member who's suffered.

What looks and attitude have you experienced recently from your colleagues?

Also, don't forget that many many people see therapists for all kinds of problems. People wouldn't automatically assume that you have a mental illness if you go and see a therapist.

thanks for your kind words!

Unfortunatelly, in my city people tend to avoid you when they realise you have a mental problem and the stigma is huge! For instance I'm on ADs and when my driving instructor found out he said I had no right to get my driving license because I might have a "depression stroke" in traffic and therefore I'm dangerous..and the nurses agreed.

Anyways,
I talked to the person who saw me before therapy and I told there was a problem I had but I didn't wish to talk about it. Case closed. Then I tried to act naturally. I don't think they know for sure about my problem but it's a matter of time till they will!

It's not fair! I so much need the little energy I have to deal with my mental instability in everyday life, I don't have any left to deal with ignorance or the stigma attached to it...

Have you thought about joining or setting up a support group? There are bound to be others with depression who you could meet, and might help you feel less alone with it all.

I wouldn't call you dangerous. Rather, it could be dangerous for you to drive when unwell. What's a 'depression stroke'?

Exactly! what's a "depression stroke"?? I only told you about this incident so you can imagine how much people around me know about depression...
And I don't drive when I'm unwell, I can barely get out of my house.

It's a good idea about setting a support group (beacuse there are none here) only that I have no clue how to do that.

I Googled 'depression stroke' to no avail! *scratches head*!

The Depression Workbook gives some ideas for setting up support groups. Also there should be a mental health based charity in your country [like in the UK we have Mind, Rethink and others] that could give you some guidance.

Unbelievable. (not that I don't believe you.) What on earth is a "depression stroke"? I'd say it's BS. made up by ignorant people.

I really hope that Neatoboy is right, and that your experience will be different this time. Small towns can really be brutal with gossip, I suppose because there is nothing else to do. I've decided for myself that if people around me are being judgemental, it's not so much because there's something wrong with me, but more because there is something wrong with them that they avoid facing by looking at the imperfection of others.

this is so sad- you need mental health therapy, but in your town, it's nearly impossible to get it without being treated like you're satan incarnate.

i know it's super drastic, but have you considered moving to a place where no one really cares if you go to the therapist?

people honestly need to get a life!

I so desperately want to move and hide like you. I'm the nosepicker from another post (yeah - there's some serious self-loathing there). Reading your post (not being in your situation) I sit and think - thinking you have depression - that's something to be embarrassed about???? SO many people are on medications for depression. Depression is NOTHING to be ashamed of - the nose picking - feels a little too close to freak. People in this town hate me and I used to be someone people respected.

My husband keeps telling me people really wouldn't hate me for this (and I don't believe him) but is it possible people really aren't judging you for your depression? I just have a hard time imagining this would be a big deal to anyone in our current society - maybe barring Tom Cruise the nutjob.

Get the help that you need. You are my hero - I am slowly drowning without a liferaft.
Nicky

Depression stroke??? First time I've heard of it... sounds like they are getting it confused with post-stroke depression which affects many people after they experience a stroke!

I think telling them that you have a "problem" was a great way to deal with it. It's really none of their business and it's entirely up to you how much (if any) to tell people about your illness! Why do you think they'll eventually find out?

PS NickyLynn, I'm picking my nose as I type this!

It's a bit surprising for me that in someother places things are different. But you gave me strength and you made me realise that if someone is being judgemental just because of my illness, than it'll be their problem, not mine.
Thanks for your kind words! It meant a lot to me...