Do I need a specific reason to be depressed?

I was messaging a friend at work and we were talking about work drama and then I said, out of the blue, I probably need a long sick leave. She asked why, I gathered all the courage and answered that I wasn't doing well...

She asked: why, what happened? Is there anything wrong going on in your life?

Obviously I can't tell her about my bipolar II so I didn't answer yet.

But, seriously... does something wrong have to be happening right now for me to feel like I can't handle life anymore?
How am I supposed to answer her?! I kinda regret talking cause now I gotta say something.

Ps: work is detrimental to my MH, but it doesn't feel enough to justify how I am.

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Cigarguy101 · 41-45, M

She was probably just asking to see if she might be able to help you, or she was worried about you answer. I think most people would ask that is they were told you wanted a long sick leave. I know I'd ask my bubby if he said something like that. Be honest with her. Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of.

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@Cigarguy101 I can't tell her about my bipolar type 2,
Also, I just can't say I have depression... idk, being at work doesn't really help with sharing personal information.

After reading your response, I said that there was nothing grave going on in my life but it is just me.

Cigarguy101 · 41-45, M

@Friendlyperson why can't you tell her this hiding it does no good any your work might be able to help you out if they knew what you are dealing with

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@Cigarguy101
I didn't even tell my family @Cigarguy101... nobody knows except for 2 people in real life.
How am I supposed to tell people at work? Mental health is something so personal to me... I'm even surprised I'm sharing how depressed I'm feeling with this person.

Cigarguy101 · 41-45, M

@Friendlyperson I don't have a easy answer for you. I struggle with depression, OCD, anxiety and tourette's

Things got better for me when I reached out to my friend and others to get help. You have nothing to be ashamed. And just because you share this information with them doesn't mean you have to tell them everything you are feeling. But if people know they can help you. If no one knows you are alone and I've learned doing this alone is almost impossible

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@Cigarguy101
I'm so sorry you are dealing with all of that and I am glad you got the help you needed. 🙏🏼 I read your posts and I'm happy for the support you got. 🙏🏼

In my case, I believe telling people will only backfire. People here are not open about MH and are quite judgemental.
I am seeing a psychiatrist and have an appointment with a new therapist in 2 weeks so I'm not just throwing myself in the woods with this depression. (Or so I hope).
I'm trying to survive alone. I sometimes voice out how I'm feeling but I don't dare saying the MH disorders.

Cigarguy101 · 41-45, M

@Friendlyperson I'm sorry you feel this way. Maybe ask your new therapist about a support group even one online I really think doing this alone is impossible. I hope you get the help you need soon

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@Cigarguy101
I will do that.
I'm battling depression alone indeed. People think it is burnout, but I know it is the depressive cycle of my disorder.
I am seriously thinking of a sick leave. But by whom? The psychiatrist? Word will get around. I'm not ready for that.

Cigarguy101 · 41-45, M

@Friendlyperson your mental health and wellness are more important than what you're coworkers will think. And I'm willing to bet you are not alone. But please get some help, reach out even if it's here. There are many kind hearted people that will listen to you and let you vent.

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