friends keep telling me to 'snap out' of depression?

Question

well a lot has happened over the past year, and I've been really upset, but most of my friend don't really understand and keep telling me to 'snap out' of depression and to 'get over it', because they feel that everyone has problems in life and i must be 'strong'
apart from my mother, nobody else seems to understand.

what do I to do?

Answer 1

Feed your friends several boxes of ExLax and tell them to 'snap out' of the resulting diarrhea.

Answer 2

I'd say that if your friends are telling you to "snap out" of depression, then they're not the right friends. Yes, of course everyone else has problems as well but knowing that doesn't improve your situation as depression is an illness, just the same as diabetes is, it's normally due to a lack of a particular hormone (serotonin). Many people are more disposed to getting depression than others and you've already stated you've had a bad year, your mental state can only take so much.

I'd seriously talk to your doctor about how you're feeling, you may just need a course of anti-depressants to help redress the balance. If you just want someone else to talk to about how you're feeling, don't hesitate to email me. I have had severe depression for the last several years, so I can understand how you could possibly be feeling.

Answer 3

Depression is an illness. It is not something that you can just " snap out of". If that were the case then no one would be depressed and all the drug companies would be out of a lot of money. Don't let them bother you. Find someone who truly understands what you are going through. Don't talk to the ones who don't. A support group might be the answer for you.

Answer 4

If you are very depressed, then it won't help for people to tell you to 'pull yourself together'. They don't understand that having depression is very different from simply feeling 'depressed'.

I would strongly suggest that you go and tell your doctor how you are feeling. Ask to be referred to a good psychotherapist. But if you are feeling really terrible, to the point where you are crying constantly and can't get up in the mornings, then anti depressant medication can be very helpful. Ask to be referred to a psychiatrist; they are experts with this medication.

Be prepared for the fact that any medicine will possibly take a good three or four weeks to kick in; you might also have to try more than one, as many people do.

Depression is really, really horrible - but it DOESN'T have to last forever and you CAN get help to feel better!

Answer 5

With friends like those, who needs enemies? Go on the web and look for some help groups for depression, and you will find you are 1 in millions of people who are in the same situation.
If you could snap out of it, psychiatrists would be out of business.
see your gp, and if its really bad, some counselling or seeing a psychiatrist would be a good idea. There is nothing wrong with admitting you need help.
Good luck, and try too keep your chin up. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Answer 6

My depression started in Uni and my so-called friends there actually avoided me becuase they didn't know how to handle it. But I did find another group of friends who I am still in touch with and even though some of them didn't understand, they were still my friends.
It really really annoys me when people say you should just snap out of it. Like I'm taking tablets for 10 years for the fun of it. I am probably stronger than anyone I know, but I don't have as much seratonin as them. People with asthma don't get told to get over it.
Ask your friends if they can just snap out of being unsympathetic b8stards. People have real problems with illnesses they can't physically see, but that just shows how truly ignorant they are.Ignore your friends and remember that 1 in 3 have depression - that's a hell of a lot of people who DO understand what you're going through!

Answer 7

Seek medical help. People who tell you to 'snap out of it' honesty don't know what true depression is. It would be like telling a diabetic to "snap out of" having diabetes.
If you have been having the symptoms for more than a few months, you really should seek medical attention. The new-generation antidpressants (SSRI's) really help. They don't alter you, or mess with your head, but help to reset the brain chemistry back to normal.
If you don't want that, then your dr. can recommend a good counselor.
Part of depression is feeling isolated and alone; if your friends don't understand, that's okay, but you need to have someone you can really talk to.

Answer 8

You have to come to terms with your situation and move-on. Change your way of life and seek new friends and relationships if you can. It's all easier said than done though as I have had periods of depression and it isn't that straight forward that you can always find a solution to your problem. However, that is the key identify the real cause of your depression then prepare a plan to deal with it. That plan has to be flexible though because you will still have ups and downs.

Answer 9

It may be time to talk to your doctor about medication and counseling! People who don't suffer from depression cannot understand the feelings and lonliness, and lack of self-worth that comes along with it. They don't understand why you don't want to participate in everyday activities and why you want to sleep all the time or why you have physical pain all the time! I've been through it and it has been awful for the last 3 years! I had a lot happen both medically and personally that brought it on. Talk to a professional--ask for help! You need to do this to get better--you may have to try different medications until you find one that works for you but eventually you will. Talking to a professional who understands what you are feeling will help! Please seek that help and seek it soon for your own benefit! Good Luck--my email is [e-mail] if you want to talk to someone who's been there!

Answer 10

i am sure you know it is impossible to 'snap out' of depression. your friends might be a bit unsure as to how this is affecting you and do not know what to say or do to help. i wonder if it would be worth talking to them and helping them to understand how you feel. or maybe giving them some information on depression from the 'see me' campaign. you dont say how old you are but that campaign is for adults and children and is very informative.
i can say that your depression will go away, it might take time but you will be back to your old self. keep talking to your mum, she understands and can help you cope with the horrible feeling the depression gives you.

Answer 11

I'm in exactly the same position as you. Just try not to burden your mum too much. Share your worries between a local therapist and your mum and i hope you get better soon hun. xxx p.s mums can be a great help but they feel your pain more than anyone ever will and try telling your friends exactly how you feel, although they do seem very unsensitive and immature. Idon't know you personally but most people who experiance this sort of problem are true human beings who have feelings. x