Can being depressed and anxious cause a person to be unpopular?

Question

I have a VERY long history of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, I think this may have caused some people to dislike me. In fact, I was once told that one reason why I rubbed some people the wrong way was because I appeared to have a negative attitude. The thing is, though, that I try to be as pleasant as possible. However, I guess a certain undercurrent of melancholia always shines through.

Answer 1

Yes it can, unfortunately. People may initially be sympathetic about your condition. They may even continue to be concerned about you, but not want to be around you because they don't have a good time.

So unless you are seriously depressed, it may be best not to talk about it much, unless specifically asked, except with one or two close friends and your therapist.

In fact, as much as possible , you might try acting as if you are happy and comfortable (not anxious). One psychotherapy method actually involves acting the way you want to feel, and after a while you start to feel that way, e.g. happier. This may occur because people around you reflect your mood, so your friends are more upbeat. And also, it tricks your mind into believing you are feeling better.

So continue to smile a lot, and ask others about their lives. Most people love to talk about themselves, and they will see you as a good friend and a fine conversationalist.

Answer 2

Not necessarily on purpose. When you suffer from depression and anxiety, you might also have low self esteem and/or paranoia. You might think people don't like you just because you are paranoid or have low self esteem, see what I mean?

As far as someone telling you you have a negative attitude, it could be the vibes they got when you were in a mood??

Good luck battling depression and anxiety, it's really tough to understand and get the right meds :)

Hope this helps, I've battled the same thing off and on for years now.

Answer 3

so i am assuming you are getting proper medical attention for depression and anxiety because these are sicknesses just like the flu and colds and need to be dealt with...

now you asked yourself - would you want to hang around someone who is always sad or negative....you already know the answer

rearrange your focus on what you can do for others...and get off you...because when I am focused on me...I get depressed...lol

my job here on earth is to worship God and do the mission he has prepared me for...and He has already equipped me for that and I need to stay focused on that

Answer 4

yep. wah,wah.