telling friends and family about your depression

Since recently telling two of my closest friends about my illness i have debated whether to widen
the 'circle' of people who know about it and how to preserve relationships that are becomming strained by
my condition

While both were initially helpfull and understanding it has become increasingly difficult to talk to both,
since it makes my condition worse if i feel that it might be upsetting for them deal with me in my present state.
It is also apparant that i am starting to alienate them because of the heavy nature of my illness
and despite their best efforts i see them starting to avoid me and our relationships becoming strained. I wonder
how people have managed or otherwise to keep relationships two-sided and happy, despite such an obvious
bais being placed upon ourselves.

I also have the dilemma of telling other friends who it might not otherwise understand why i am
not my usual self. I would be interested in views upon whether it is worse to suffer any stigma associated with
the illness or whether it is best to suffer in silence depite cost to relationships. Is it fair/harmfull to tell people
without detailing the nature of the illness and its effects.

yours appreciatingly

jimi

Jim,

I don't know what the correct answer is to your question . . . but I can tell you waht I have done.

I did share with a couple close people, like you. And you are right . . . it is hard for them to really 'get it'.

I, like you, stopped sharing because of repeating myself and feeling less than understood. BUT, after I made really good progress for several months, I shared selectively with people who I thought might benefit from my experience. I have found that this still (years later) works best for me.

I still think it is important to have a couple key people who try to understand and can walk along beside you.