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Sunday, October 25, 2009 LuvMyAussie asks

Q: Depression and New Relationships

I have had several different experiences with telling others about my depression and anxiety, but I'm curious what others have experienced as well.  With my friends, I've found that they either accept it and support me through it, or they are not my true friends, but when it comes to relationships I'm always uncertain. 

 

The biggest struggle for me is when to tell someone about it, and I've found that it's easiest for me to share that information with someone as soon as I decide that I want to persue a more serious or long-lasting relationship.  That way, I don't have as much invested emotionally, and I find it hurts less if they choose to walk away because of it, but I'm not sure that this is the best route. 

 

What has and has not worked for you?  How do you go about telling someone whom you are interested in about your depression?

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Answers (1)
10/26/09 5:56pm

Hi, there.  I'm probably not the best person to give advice about this because I've been married a long time, but my instincts tell me that I think you're better off telling the person early in the relationship, partly for the reasons you mentioned, but also so they can be prepared and can understand if you have a depressive episode.  I don't think it's much different than with your friends - they either accept it and support you or reveal themselves as not being true friends.  You don't have to make a big deal about it, just when the opportunity presents itself you could mention it - I assume you are receiving treatment?  Then you can say that so the person knows you are taking care of yourself.

 

Don't know if that helped much, but thanks for reaching out here - write again any time.

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