Let Someone In: How to Talk About Your Depression
You’ve probably heard people say “just talk to someone” when things get rough. Sounds simple, right? But when you're dealing with depression, opening up feels like trying to move through wet cement.
Maybe you don’t want to be a burden. Maybe you're scared people won’t believe you. Or maybe you can’t even find the words to explain what’s going on in your head.
If this is you—you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. In fact, tons of other teens are feeling the same way right now. That’s why learning how to talk about your depression is so important. It doesn’t solve everything overnight, but it’s the first real step toward feeling better.
Why It’s So Hard, But So Worth It
Let’s be honest: talking about your mental health is tough. There’s stigma, fear, and the pressure to “act fine.” But staying silent can keep you stuck in a dark place.
When you let someone in, you:
Stop carrying everything alone
Open the door to support (like therapy, advice, or just a hug)
Start owning your mental health instead of it owning you
And no—talking about it doesn’t mean you’re weak.
“Mental health struggles don’t make you fragile—they make you human, asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do.”
How To Talk About Your Depression
Figure out who feels safe
Your “safe person” could be a best friend, a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a school counsellor. It’s okay if it’s not your family—what matters most is trust.
Say what you can, not what you think you should
You don’t have to say everything all at once. Even something like:
“Lately I’ve been feeling really low, and I think I might be depressed. Can I talk to you about it?”
...is a powerful start.
Texting it or writing it down first can make it easier if face-to-face feels too intense.
Expect emotions—it’s okay to feel awkward
You might cry. You might freeze. You might feel like backing out. That’s normal. Say what you can. Pause if you need. Your feelings are valid—even the messy ones.
Know that help exists
If you’re ready, your safe person can help you find more support—like a therapist, a school mental health program, or a hotline.
Helpful Resources:
Teen Line (US): Text “TEEN” to 839863
Shout (UK): Text “SHOUT” to 85258
Crisis Text Line (Worldwide): Text “HELLO” to 741741
What If They Don’t Understand
Sometimes, people react badly. Maybe they tell you to “toughen up” or “stop overthinking.” That sucks—but their misunderstanding doesn’t mean you’re wrong.
Try again. Talk to someone else. There are adults, professionals, and even peers who will understand—and who want to help.
Final Thought
Depression lies. It tells you that you’re alone, that no one cares, that nothing can change. But that’s not the truth. The truth is: people care. People want to help. And you are not alone.
Speaking up might feel terrifying, but it could change everything. Let someone in. You don’t have to go through this in silence.
Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. This has to change. We’re Mind. We’re here to fight for mental health. For support, for respect, for you.
