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What will my friends think about my depression?

Depression still has some stigma attached to it. You may worry that your friends will think less of you. However, depression is quite common in young people. As many as one in four young adults has had either minor depression or clinical depression. If you feel you can trust a friend, you may decide to discuss it with him or her. You will probably discover that he or she is only concerned about your well-being.

What will my employer or school think?

Nothing. They won't even know. Federal law protects the privacy of your medical records. No one will know about your treatment unless you inform them. You cannot be discriminated against because you receive treatment for depression. Most employers and schools would prefer that their students and employees receive treatment so that they can be successful.

What will my family think?

Only you can answer this. If you are experiencing depression, the chances are that someone else in your family may have already experienced this problem, too. Your parents and brothers and sisters may have already noticed changes in your behavior and are concerned about you. They may be relieved that you are getting help.