Posted by Kristi on September 2, 2001, at 17:12:38
In reply to How to Explain (or NOT Explain) Depression, posted by Elzabeth on September 2, 2001, at 9:11:32
Hi...
I'm a little confused about what your post is asking. Have you made commitments to co-workers that you don't think you'll be able to perform because of your depression? If it's in general.. I wouldn't worry about it. I can tell who is/isn't depressed(within the group I work with) and I don't judge or think about their lives, or whatever. We are all pretty egocentric in that way.. our lives are more important. Um.... oops.. then their is gossip.
I guess what I'm wondering... do you feel an urgent need to let your coworkers in on this?
I just wouldn't say anything. Or say I'm not feeling well. And keep saying it until they eventually get to the point that they don't ask anymore.
I probably shouldn't say anymore right now... I'm unsure of your original question. Do you feel an obligation to tell them?
> Thought I posted this yesterday, but I don't see it .... In any event, I'm wondering if any of you have come up with a useful way of explaining (or not explaining) depression to coworkers. I'm sure we've all experienced how NOT useful it is to explain, "I'm sorry I've had to drop out of bla bla bla commitments, but I've been struggling with depression." Been struggling with "personal illness" isn't much better.
>
> It's nobody's business, of course -- but it bothers me that other personal illness doesn't carry the stigma that mental illness still bears. Jeesh, just the term "mental illness" makes my stomach flip flop.
>
> How do YOU guys address this issue?
>
> XXX, E.
poster:Kristi
thread:10679
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010901/msgs/10697.html