2007-01-29 06:01:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I never take that sort of a statement as a joke. I am a registered nurse and I take it very seriously when someone tells me that they are experiencing depression. The sad thing about depression is that people seem to think that it still carries a social stigma with it. Hell, there are some country clubs you can't even make application to unless you drink, have depression and have had or are near to having a heart attack( an inside medical joke). The fact is that it is an easily controllable and curable disease. If it is a real problem and not a hypothetical question just go tell your family physician about it. If it is a problem you have and you aren't just asking for a friend please seek attention for it. There really is no shame in being depressed, the shame is letting it go too far and you end up hurting yourself and the ones who love you.
2007-01-29 06:22:40 · answer #1 · answered by Only hell mama ever raised 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because some people say it off-handedly. Or they make light of the situation, so when others are serious about it, they might not realize this. For instance if you just blurt out "I'm depressed" when someone says "Hey! How are you!" they might just assume that you are exaggerating something minor and not truly depressed on a grand scale.
In addition, unless it is someone close to you, they may not know how to react/respond. It can be unsettling when a mere acquantance/co-worker/stranger expresses such personal issues. If someone close to you just makes a joke about it, try to explain to them that you really are depressed and why. Then I'm sure they will take the situation more seriously and try to be supportive.
2007-01-29 14:21:52 · answer #2 · answered by eastchic2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to know how to react when someone shares this.
In our culture, we're used to hearing "fine", or "good", or "great", when we ask someone how they're doing. So it can be unsettling to hear that all is indeed not well, and words may not immediately come to mind.
For many people, making a joke of it comes naturally in that situation, it's their attempt to lighten the mood and disperse the awkwardness. Once they realize you are serious, they may respond more seriously and try to help you.
On the other hand, there is an epidemic of people who are not actually clinically depressed but think that they are. Because of this, some people believe that most people who say this are just making it up, and think that they're helping you get over it by telling you how ridiculous it is. Sad, but true. Talking seriously with them about the situation may help them realize that their reaction is not always appropriate.
2007-01-29 14:12:21 · answer #3 · answered by darth_logical 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps people are shocked by your candid statement, therefore suppose that you are being funny. The term depressed is often used in a non clinical fashion to describe a general sadness. Obviously, real depression is not funny.
2007-01-29 14:05:56 · answer #4 · answered by Boilerfan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah, depression is nothing to kind about...why people would take that as a joke only the lord knows why!
2007-01-29 14:12:04 · answer #5 · answered by ~Mmmkay?~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably expect a depressed person to act more depressed then how they are acting now.
2007-01-29 14:37:25 · answer #6 · answered by missgigglebunny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are not. They are viewing your perceptions through their own.
If you are depressed then you are.
I'm sorry if you are. Is there something I can do for you or do you need to vent?
2007-01-29 14:25:37 · answer #7 · answered by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they're joking to lift their spirits.
2007-01-29 14:08:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because I don't handle emotion well
I don't like people being emotional around me
2007-01-29 14:12:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋