Do you feel people treat you differently when you have depression?

Question

For everyone answering this question, thank you. I'm having a sitiuation, where I was terminated from my job. And I feel that I was dealing with people (managers)who didn't understand depression and the things you go through. So I just need help with better understanding other's perceptions of how you guys see it.

Answer 1

I think depending on how you feel you may be more sensitive and more perceptive to slight nuances that had you been your normal upbeat self you might not have noticed or ignored.

Its hard to do but try to be very objective about everything that happens
the standard for discrimination or unfair practices in the workplace can be quite high
but I suggest you speak to an attorney who may be best able to advise you

some cases have said that the employer has no duty to ensure the feelings of his employee are intact
but that of course flies in the face of the concept of "mutual trust and confidence"
so speak with an attorney they will be the best person to help you out

Answer 2

Yes ... a little, it depends on the person and on if I'm being overly sensitive. Some people are not comfortable with it because they don't know how to react properly so they just don't, ...or they are just too lazy to deal with it, so they ignore you. Some people might call you dramatic, immature, etc. It's sad and it's unfair ... if you haven't experienced it, there is really no way to understand how incredibly hard it is. I also think a lot of it is in your own head. I somtetimes get paranoid that nobody wants me around when they really do. It's so crappy :-(.

Answer 3

I have lived with depressed people most of my life, and have found that people generally try to either give the depressed person space (it can be depressing being around a depressed person) or try to talk them out of it, find ways to cheer them up, etc. Depression is no longer a mysterious illness, as it used to be, so there is more understanding by people as to its causes.

But yes, I think that people treat others differently whether they are depressed or in a good mood, etc. - it is basically reacting to another person's mood.

Answer 4

Yes, I believe this to be true. People naturally respond to people who radiate positive and "up" behavior. It's a "feel good" thing. When you are depressed you tend to talk in negative down tones with little energy. I think often people do not know how to respond to that but I do not believe it would be intentional that they would shy from it. Sort of a natural response.

Answer 5

More than likely if the person in question goes around telling everyone about how depressed he/she is or their background of depression and all mental problems.

If you have clinical depression, go to a doctor, start a treatment program and take your meds as prescribed.

Answer 6

People tend to patronise those with depression in my experience. Or treat them as though they are too fragile to deal with. Everyone goes behind their back to whisper about them and eye them nervously, instead of just treating them as a normal human who is struggling to cope with life and their own self. I don't know. It's as if people are trying to hide something from you all the time, and like they're too scared to just be friendly around you.

Answer 7

I haven't told anyone, purely because they would treat me differently. I've spent a long time building an elaborate facade of normality. People have expectations of me now. I'm the one that helps other people, I have no problems of my own, etc., etc.

I consider telling people, but then when it actually comes down to it, I don't want them to know.

Answer 8

no, I don't think they do, I do however think my perceptions of them change. I get very sensitive when I am depressed, and have found myself finding offense where none was every intended.

Answer 9

yes, people treat us differently when we are depressed some concerned some thinks that we just want to get the atenttion of others..

Answer 10

i think it's because they are afraid of hurting your feelings or something like that. also they may think that you are a little bit "off" so they naturally get more aware of how you feel and act.