I hide it all of the time. Friends and family ask how I am and I lie saying that I am fine when all I want to do is cry and tell them that I am having a problem. The idea of being burdensome is what stops me. Lately, I've been thinking that its not a healthy thing to do yet I don't know how to change it. I feel like nobody wants that depressed friend or relative with issues around all of the time. But, I am starting to realize that if they really care then they will be there. Holding everything in all of the time won't solve anything. So, here's an idea we both can try... Maybe next time someone asks how you are, try being a little more honest and answer by saying, well, I am going through a rough spot but I am hanging in there and see how they react.

I think it is a little bit of trying to fool yourself that you are perfect and fine... never better but the truth has to come out some time. You're not alone!

This is a really hard question, you do come up with some good ones! You have actually made me think about this a little. I don't think you should have to keep a positive outlook on everything because thats not genuine for anyone, especially when they hurt in side. However, the flip side of that is that is someone asks a little generic 'oh how have you been' do they really want to unloaded on? Its just one of those polite oddities. In my opinion and it is only an opinion but it is what I do, I think having a positive presence about you is a good think but that doesn't mean you should fake it with everyone all the time. Does that make any sense??

I know I'm still *crap* at asking friends for help when I need it - I sort of had to be OK through my childhood and teens, having a mentally ill mother to deal with meant that I couldn't really afford the luxury (if you can call it than) of going to pieces.
That habit does still stay with me but at least I know that I can change it and call someone if I want to - it's all a matter of finding people you can trust, I suppose.

for me, it's both. i smile because i don't want anyone to even THINK that something like this has happened to me. i hide behind my smile. and i guess part of it is to make myself believe that i'm happy...even though i'm really not...

My housemate asks me how I am ALL THE TIME and I just want to scream. I always try to hide it but being asked makes it so much harder because it reminds me I'm not ok. I hate to be a burden and to be the miserable friend that depresses people so I prefer to keep to myself.