i suffer from depression and find it really hard to talk to family. i have a habit of self harm. any body out there who feels like me. would like to talk!!

I personally have not experienced this, but I have had two good friends and a family member who has. One of them was my best friend and I have been there through many of his struggles. Everything from problems with his antidepressants to being physically harmful to himself. So I couldn't ever say that I KNOW how you feel, but I am willing to lend an ear and/or my opinions if you want them.

Depression is really hard to deal with, and talking about it as well. A lot of people don't understand how serious it is and will write it off to mood swings or some such. I would suggest you find someone you can trust to talk to, but don't just stop there.

If you haven't seen a doctor/psychiatric nurse practitioner to deal with this you might want to seriously consider it. Depression runs in my family and both my mother (a psychiatric nurse practitioner) and my sister are on medication for it. It helps SO much. My sister doesn't fall apart anymore the way she used to and she's been able to sustain relationships in ways she couldn?t before. The difference is striking.

I suppose one of the hardest things about talking about depression is...well, the depression itself. It makes hope for a good response hard to imagine and paints the world in defeat. Remember that this is the depression talking and not the truth (though negative responses can occur?this is about the ignorance of other people and not about you!).

Also....try journaling on a regular basis to achieve regular emotional discharge along with talking to trusted friends/family members. If that doesn't appeal to you, paint/draw/doodle to let some of it out. Anything and everything to help.

My thoughts are with you!

If it helps I have been through depresion and I also had a selfmutilation problem. I got though it so if you need to talk or have any questions I will be happy to help.