Why do people like to brag about being depressed?

Question

Whats with people who constantly brag or always mention that they are depressed (clinicaly or non clinically) or have ADD/ADHD or are bi polar? Why do people talk proudly about taking medication for certain mental habits/disorders? Is it just their way of showing the world they're trying to heal or do they just want the 'oh poor you' attention?

ooh all good answers :)

ah you're right snowchild

Answer 1

I think the drug industry which creates the very profitable medication these people take have successfully marketed their product in a way that makes it seem as though the disorder (depression, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar - which, by the way, is VASTLY overdiagnosed) is the sole defining characteristic of the person it afflicts. These people are made to be hyper-aware of every thought, feeling, action and sensation as part of the diagnostic process. For some I think it provides comfort to have a label for that which is dissastisfying or difficult in their life - whether the label is correct or not.

Look at some of the ads you've seen for popular medications... the symptoms they list are pretty universal. We ALL feel loney, bummed out, frantic, irritable, anxious, etc - at times. The drug companies WANT people to identify with tehse symptoms; the more people who take their drug, the more money they make. While there are some people who truly benefit from medication therapy, I think the vast amount of people who walk around droning on and on about their disorders or issues are really just suffering from lonliness, low self-esteem, and boredom. Their disorder helps to give them an identity or concept-of-self where they had none before.

Answer 2

They're probably not bragging; it's more likely that they're just talking about it because they know that telling people about it will make them feel better, if only for a while (plus, how are people supposed to understand when they might act different if they don't tell anyone they have a problem?). I probably sometimes sound like I'm bragging when I talk a lot about my paruresis (shy bladder), but it's just because talking helps you with the healing process and helps others understand what you're going through. Trust me, people do not "brag" about things that they'd rather not have in the first place. People spend a lot of time thinking about things in their life that give them trouble or they need to figure out, and this is reflected in the things they talk about.

Answer 3

I believe a lot of people use it as an attention grabber; some people haven't been noticed in "everyday life" so they feel rejected and start picking negative things to help get attention. I also believe people use it as an excuse for mistakes/poor decisions/when they're put on the spot. "Well, I could have gotten that job but I have ADHD...I can't be in relationships long because I'm depressed all the time and it drives them away...Guess I'm a mental-case, so what can I do?" Instead of taking responsibility for it and fixing it, they'd rather "explain it away" with a disorder. (I do believe some people really do have illnesses, but when they brag about it and play it up all the time...it is annoying-I agree.)

Answer 4

There could be several different reasons. and not everyone will be the same. Some people just want attention and pity. Some people are hoping that by talking about it they will find others in the same situation and not feel alone. Some are trying to deal with the problems that these disorders bring and want input from others. Other people might be, like you said, trying to show that they are trying to improve the situation.
Just try to assume the best and give your support.

Answer 5

I've always hidden it. I wasn't diagnosed with depression, well, kinda, bipolar disorder. I was never the attention seeking type. I find it really annoying when someone claims to be depressed just to get attention. Or when someone says "I got a D on my test, I'm so depressed" That's not depressed.

Answer 6

Well, I take public transportation to go to the market or things like that and people talk all the time about the new diabetes medication or the new drug for their high blood pressure and I don't see anybody complaining about it, mental illness are just that illnesses and people has the right to talk about not brag about it, who knows if the drug the other is taking may works wonders to the other person listening?

Answer 7

Great question. Some people like to talk about their depression because they're not ashamed of it.
Have you noticed how everybody has depression now? Depression and ADHD are popular now.
In my opinion the ones who brag are usually not really depressed. They like attention and saying you have a mental illness is a great way to get sympathy.

Answer 8

I've never heard of anyone with any sort od depression or stress level, or any disroder bragging about it.
If they mention it, its the fact to let you know this, so you'll understand why they're behaving the way they are.
Or, they have the disorder, yet they don't know everything about it, so they ask for help and advice.
bye now!
xx

Answer 9

anybody who thinks people with a mental disorder are bragging should try walking a mile in the other persons shoes. Are people "bragging" when they talk about their diabeties or heart problems. Like living with any other disease life is a little harder for those involved.

IDIOTS!!

Answer 10

Depends on the age and maturity level, if it's a teenager or someone who acts like one they are usually looking for attention. Which is usually a sign of mental illness on it's on. If it's a more mature person it could because they want you to be aware of things that are going on with them so if something happens that isn't quite like them you'll understand why.