I guess everyone's loved ones are completely understanding of depression.

I expect we've all heard "you could feel better if you just put your mind to it" That sort of thing comes from small minded people who have never had too face this problem and they know nothing about it

I assume my wife and daughter believethey've definitely noticed the difference in me since I started anti-depressants.

to many times have i run across that in my life. i say screw them if they dont get im not here for them anyway ive wated to many years being depressed im now for the first time in a long time living my life

i've heard it all... "snap outta it" "you're making things worse for yourself" "you love being misrable" whatever... but what can ya do?? i don't really give a shit...

Thank you for your reponses.

My opinion is that I forgive him. I don't think he is small minded, he, in fact, is quite intelligent. I just think that some people simply cannot understand it as a real illness because its not something they can see, i.e. a broken leg. He's never experienced mental illness or seen it until he met me.

I just have not found a way yet, and honestly don't know if I ever will, to make him understand.

I would make depression go away if I could.

Yes, my mother... it has taken her many years to finally begin to understand my depression.

My significant other does believe that I choose to be sad; but I believe he is beginnning to come around. I mean, does he think that I want to be miserable?

my ex never noticed as she was too involved with her own world in her own head. First time I even realized I might have a problem was when a friend mentioned it to me last year.

although my husband is supportive, a good friend of mine didn't understand why i was "so sad" and that i should snap out of it, so i kinda know where u r coming from

Oh yea!!! Someone who has not been depressed themselves just doesn't understand what it is really like. They think it is a matter of "snapping out of it."

Exactly.

Thank you guys for your input and support.

Does anyone have an idea(s) for effectively helping someone to understand depression is "real"?

make them watch the notebook over and over again till they are just mush then maybe

Good question game. My hubby is supportive, but he doesn't understand why I am depressed. He thinks he can fix the situation, when it is not necessairly a situation that is depressing me. I wish he could be depressed for one day, so he would understand that it is not something I choose, and it is not something that is easily fixed.

Ah, another painful part of bp, nobody understands. I guess nadareal said it best, they have never been there. I have had many suicide attempts and my mother, who never had a day of depression her entire life, would judge harshly about it. A few months ago. My mother called me and invited me to her house. She told me that she had experienced 4-6 hours of severe depression. She said she never wanted to feel that way again. She had trouble praying or having any kind of contact with God. She was scared, sad, and crying. The thoughts of suicide ran through her brain. She has not judged my actions or depression since. She is wanting to learn about bp. She calls and is concerned about my well being. It changed our whole relationship. Devine Intervention??? It makes the world so much easier when you have understanding at your side. Also, I've been hospital free for 5 yrs. now. No more suicide attempts. Praise Jesus!!