How do I explain to others that I'm depressed?

[smv5002]

I was diagnosed with (MDD) but not as severe yet but if left untreated it will get worse. I didn't even know I had this actually. My roommate already kicked me out, parents cannot stand me.

There will be episodes where I will tear up for no apparent reason and I'm a guy which is just preposterous. Other times it's just a numb/nothingness feeling and this tends to go back and forth and could i understand if there was a reason to but there is not. In fact, I had a job, a steady girl, then gradually over the course of a year, started feeling this darkness/sinking feeling and resulted in getting fired etc..But I don't really care anyway. I just don't want them to feel agitated or harm their health because of me. Also the last thing I want is for people to think I'm begging for their attention. I just want them to understand what's going on. When I tell them I'm depressed, they just don't get it. Sometimes I think it's better to just put on that fake smile and pretend everything is great, but for me that just triggers headaches/ aches/pains. Has anyone gone through this?

[smv5002]

not a problem if you misinterpreted my post.
Now, the reason they didn't put me on any meds is because I requested for them not to. I'm just going to say it, I'm afraid to take these meds and I have no idea what side effects I'll get from them since each person is different.
I'm looking at options such as (TMS) (*Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. )

[bbaggins]

Crying for no reason is a sign of depression. So is not wanting to do anything. You've already been diagnosed with MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), so I'm not sure why they didn't put you on any AD meds. I have CDD, which is like MDD, but less severe, and I am on Prozac and have been put on other meds in the past for it. Even if you don't see a psychiatrist, your PCP can prescribe AD meds for you, that way you don't have to see a psychiatrist just to get the meds.

That being said, a lot of people don't understand depression, others don't "believe" in mental diseases, they just attribute stuff like ADD or ADHD to "kids being kids" or depression in adults to someone "feeling down". It's very hard to explain depression to these people, and even more so to get them to believe it exists. It took me years to get my in-laws to understand that my wife (their daughter) has anxiety and depression, and they didn't believe it until they actually saw her have a major panic attack during a family gathering. Even still, they have a hard time understanding and dealing with it.

So, don't worry too much about having to explain to others that you are depressed. But, I would highly recommend talking to your PCP, though, and see if he can get you started on some base AD meds and see if those help.

My apologies for misunderstanding your post. :)

Oh, and I understand what it's like trying to see a therapist or psychiatrist...I have been looking for one for my wife for about eight months now. They're either backlogged, have changed professions (dropping adults, only working with kids), or are not taking on new patients. :(

[smv5002]

Ok. Im going to reply now because there will be times where I don't even feel like reading, typing or anything. I meant it's preposterous to cry for no apparent reason...and anyone who watches sad movies is in all their rights to cry whether male or female of course. When I meant harm others, I meant physiologically where i don't feel like getting up, talking or doing anything which drives everyone nuts. I'm only doing this for them so I could be at least partially functional. I couldn't care less what happens to me. I do have insurance but my insurance does not cover to see a psychiatrist unless I have a disability. I've seen behavior therapists but they're usually always booked or dealing with schizophrenic patients or with major emergencies.

Thanks everyone for responding.

[bbaggins]

First off, there's nothing wrong with a guy crying. Thinking it's "preposterous" is a stigma. Don't feel bad if you cry. I'm a guy and I tear up watching sad movies (why do you think guys don't like to watch these types of movies?). People think men crying will make them less of a man, but it doesn't. It makes you more of a human.

That being said, it sounds like you are suffering from chronic depression. Crying uncontrollably is one of the symptoms. I would make an appointment to see a psychiatrist and/or therapist. If you feel you are going to be a harm to yourself or others, I would consider voluntarily checking yourself into a psychiatric hospital (no, it's not a bad place). You can do so by going to any ER and asking for a psych evaluation. Even if you don't have insurance, they will still admit you if need be.

[SigSomething]

Hey.
I've been trough something similar when I first tried to tell people that I was depressed. There will be people that thinks you just begging for attention, but just pretending to be okay will just make everything worse (I'm speaking from experience, don't do that). Try staring with just telling one person you trust, and just take it slow, try to explain how you feel the best you can. It will be difficult since depression is hard to understand if you've never suffered from it, but it'll be worth it.