“People don’t fake depression; they fake being okay.” – Robin Williams

Depression is important to speak about. Those who have or had depression know it can be debilitating. For some people, hiding their feelings has become a habit that can hurt. Opening yourself up to those emotions can help you mitigate that hurt and the damage depression can cause.

It may seem impossible not to hide feelings of depression. When I was struggling with depression in my life, I certainly didn’t want my employers to know I was having difficulty. I was afraid of bringing other employees down or getting a reputation as a complainer, or even risking my job security. 

I can lean on my friends sometimes, but it is not fair to always make them share the burden. Oversharing can be a strain on mental health and friendships alike. What helped me was having other friends who shared their experiences of depression; I found comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. And understanding that they, too, reached out to a counselor gave me a sense of relief.

Counseling and therapy are huge keys to tackling mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. Reaching out to a counselor and seeking help before a crisis situation is an important way to help mitigate your triggers for depression and anxiety, and maintain a healthy mental health throughout your daily life. I can’t overstate the importance of therapy!

I now try to help people by saying, “How are you doing with your mental health?” I usually get a laugh, but those who need to hear those words will sometimes express the need for help. Giving people the space to be open helps foster a relationship of comfortable and respectful dialogue about mental health. Being a good listener can make a difference for those who are hurting. 

You can be the difference for someone else or make the difference for yourself. Don’t hide, don’t fake being okay because you deserve support and a sense of relief. Reach out and we can form a community of support.