Is it possible to develop depression or feel depressed after talking to others with it?

I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety about 4 years ago, have been on meds which some helped and some didn't, went through therapy.  My old therapist left the practice and the new one I have only seen a few times.  Anyhow, I saw her yesterday because I've been having way too many thoughts about my death.  It did help to talk with her and she made a point about so many things in my life that would make me sad as compared to very little which make me happy, such as worrying about losing my job, deaths of mother and sister awhile back, and especially how I'm friends with a few girls who do suffer depression and listening to their problems and how I deal with that.  I forgot to ask this yesterday though.  Is it possible to (for lack of a better way to put it) develop depression by "power of suggestion".  Could it be that listening to others problems with depression, how they feel, etc., make me feel depressed, and that I don't really suffer depression, just unintentially let myself get drawn into my friends' depression too much.  I've thought about this before but never remembered to ask about it until after yesterday's session and we talked about these 2 friends with depression and I'm the one it seems they talk to about it, however they both are in therapy now.

[Bubulous]

Yes it is definately possible.  I have met therapist who have PTSD and depression from talking to people with those.  It is called secondary PTSD or depression.  That is why the best ones actually have a therapist of their own.  I have to be careful as well as I spend a lot of time on here and try to help people.  I find it overwhelming every once in a while and have to remember to take breaks and work on myself.  Very good question.  I also see a therapist...lol

[Bubulous]

Yes it is definately possible.  I have met therapist who have PTSD and depression from talking to people with those.  It is called secondary PTSD or depression.  That is why the best ones actually have a therapist of their own.  I have to be careful as well as I spend a lot of time on here and try to help people.  I find it overwhelming every once in a while and have to remember to take breaks and work on myself.  Very good question.  I also see a therapist...lol

[Bubulous]

It is great that you are being there for your friends.  Part of my recovery is actually coming on here and trying to help  You have had a lot go on and if you are not depressed that is great.  However if you haven't dealt with any of that it will come back later in the form of depression.  Unresolved problems do not go away, the worsen.  Good Luck..

[capegirlnoshoes]

It can be really difficult to look after other depressed people (particularly more than one) and keep yourself healthy as well.  It's very common for people to develop mood problems themselves through trying to help others and not thinking about themselves enough.  It's good for people supporting depressed people to have some counselling or do some reading themselves about how to keep themselves safe.  It's not at all selfish, since it's good for everyone involved for you to be healthy.  And it's not a sign of failure either, since it's so common and happens to all kinds.