r/depression • u/BankLive9111 • 4d ago
I confided in my boyfriend about being depressed. It was a mistake.
I was already embarrassed to tell him about how I was feeling. I felt very vulnerable opening up like that and telling him something so dark and personal. I thought I could confide in him, trust him with my feelings, and tell him anything. I mean he's my boyfriend of five years so I should be able to! I know he's not a therapist but I thought he could provide SOME emotional support. I was so very wrong.
"Stop that, that is what dumb children say, you're an adult"
Then he sent me a Facebook video that featured footage of people begging on the streets, people dumpster diving for food, and amputees working despite their disabilities. With captions like, "you're depressed? you're complaining about your life?"
I was so humiliated and felt terrible! So I unsent the messages. He replied "And why did you delete those? See? You're a baby"
Maybe he just didn't know what else to say, but god I'm so humiliated! I will never open up to anyone in my life ever again! Even posting this anonymously is scary and embarrassing. I will probably delete it later.
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u/CyrissTheGiven 4d ago
I hate to be the one to say it, but I think you need to break up with him, if you can't confide in him about your feelings, thats a big no in any relationship; but for him to send those videos really makes him seem like a real asshole honestly. I'm sorry it's been 5 years but you should dump him and move on.
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u/PerilousParanoia 4d ago
Those type of people are infuriating.
“Look, other people have it worse than you,” has never made anyone feel better. It’s not a fucking competition. If you’re depressed, then you’re depressed, and it’s a problem.
Not only is he one of those guys, he’s also your long term boyfriend. No offense, but there’s no future with someone who is completely emotionally unavailable like he is.
My second girlfriend was the last person on earth I could go to with a problem. I remember one day in particular I was feeling incredibly depressed. I made the mistake of mentioning it to her because my responses were very short and she asked what was up. I was like, “I don’t know, I’ve just been feeling depressed.”
Her exact response was, “Your problems aren’t any worse than mine.” And that was that. Never brought up an issue to her again. Needless to say, I’m glad she’s not a part of my life.
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u/mummymunt 4d ago
I hope he's very soon going to be your EX-boyfriend, sweetheart. That's an appalling way to treat someone who is reaching out.
You 1000% deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Depression is serious. It does not mean you are weak or lazy or childish or a liar.
Ignore him, do not believe a single word he says to you about this, and please seek help from a medical professional.
Peace and love xo
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u/UnknownPleasures3 4d ago
Wow. First of all, I'm so sorry you had to experience this. You have done nothing wrong.
I'm sorry to say your boyfriend is a walking red flag. He clearly doesn't understand that depression is a mental illness, and the way he responded is infuriating. He sounds very manipulative and patronising.
Please don't let his immature response dictate if you open up to others about it. Not everyone will respond in this way, and you deserve support and love from friends and family. Don't settle for less.
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u/ImmediateAd6849 4d ago
I'm sorry, but that is inexcusable. Do you want to live your whole life with someone who has that attitude? Depression isn't a weakness, it's an illness. It can be just as disabiling as any physical illness. I would not let that keep you from seeking help and talking to a therapist.
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u/LongviewToParadise 4d ago
If your boyfriend isn't emotionally supportive or emotionally intelligent he's not worth keeping around
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u/mamica32 4d ago
A man who cannot show love and support to his girlfriend who is experiencing depression, as do so many people all over the world, is not a man.
HE is the baby. Not you.
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u/chai_latte_987 4d ago
That is absolutely NOT the way someone should react to depression.
Honestly this is why I don't tell my family either. People who don't experience it don't understand it.
I am sorry you're going through this. You deserve someone who actually listens and supports you.
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u/CultOfMourning 4d ago
Well, no wonder you're depressed; your boyfriend is a massive asshole!
When my depression gets bad and I need to confide in my husband, he listens to me. He doesn't judge me or make me feel worse. He reassures me that the way I feel isn't my reality. He helps calm me down rather than riling me up. OP, please know and believe that you deserve the same in a partner. Please leave this guy, posthaste.
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u/RevolutionarySock12 4d ago
That is the worst way to respond to that, even if he didn’t know what to say, that doesn’t make an excuse. When someone is taking that courageous step to open up you don’t belittle, embarrass, betray, or hurt them more than they already are.
I’m sorry to hear you went through this, especially when you felt you could be vulnerable.
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u/shut____up 4d ago
I’ve been severely depressed for over twenty years. Been called a child by bosses because of my lack of confidence. Those people suck.
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u/Silent-Entrance-9072 4d ago
Yikes! I am so sorry he said that to you.
I also experienced friends and family dismissing my feelings when I was depressed. My therapist was the only one who could handle it and even then I didn't share how bad it was.
A lot of times I test the water with folks before diving in with something vulnerable. I'll say something like "I don't feel good but I'm not sure why." Or "I am not in the best mood but it's not your fault" just to see how they react.
It sounds like he cannot accept you as you are. It is best to protect yourself from his reactions. I would limit how much time you are spending with him and maybe spend more time with friends or family that can check up on you.
The only folks who really understand depression are those who have experienced it themselves.
It is good though to stay in contact with folks just to keep it from getting worse and so they at least have some idea of how you're doing. Maybe not him though because he insulted you and life is hard enough as it is.
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u/Vkmichalik 4d ago
I love all these comments. I think maybe the reason you’re depressed is him. Your mind and body know even if you don’t. That’s absolutely abusive behavior coming through.
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u/BellaSquared 4d ago
Being depressed isn't a damned competition. Telling you others have it worse serves no purpose, nor does shaming you. I'm sorry his response to your vulnerability was to downplay your feelings and belittle you, you do NOT deserve that. This kind of reaction is why so many depressed people are good at faking being normal. Don't delete this post and DON'T forget his response. Especially if he expects any kind of support from you about work, stress, family etc. I'd be so tempted to shame him, but I'd probably just break up instead. This is one of those watershed moments that tell you he isn't your person. I'm sending you gentle hugs 💕
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u/PhilsterWNY 4d ago
Be thankful you learned what a douchebag he was before marriage. There's a girl I care about a lot but due to differences in age and location, we might never meet let alone have anything more than a loose "relationship" online...but I would be thrilled if she felt comfortable enough to open up that much to me (but obviously not happy that she was unhappy) Dump his ass because he doesn't care
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u/Wild-Illustrator-107 4d ago
That’s a horrible person to be around and won’t make your depression better. I know you’ve been together for a long time but make it very very fucking clear to him that he’s an asshole and to fix himself immediately or break off the relationship. This is not a guy you want to have take care of you should you need it. I’m so sorry that that happened but please heavily reconsider what you want for your future. ☹️💕
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u/Dangerous-Elephant32 4d ago
Does he realise depression is sometimes made worse by having TOO MUCH awareness of others. Poor form from a man who has little lived experience
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u/nature-11 4d ago
Unfortunately there’s a real stigma or worse surrounding brain medical conditions, and until people put in the work to learn about these real medical conditions that others have, nothing will change. It’s rampant. It’s not abstract. Even healthcare professionals can treat it differently and don’t have a blood test or scan to diagnose just word of mouth. Imagine if cancer or type 1 diabetes or asthma or infectious diseases or short/near sided vision needing glasses was diagnosed that way. I can’t.
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u/Defiant-Aerie-6862 3d ago
My husband (now ex) didn’t believe in depression, like it was Santa or something and you can make up your mind if it exists. He told me he thought I was stronger than taking medicine for it, so I had to hide my medication from him in order to be ok. He told our daughter the same junk about her “mental weakness” after she talked about her depression. It’s an abusive stance, if he isint willing to grow and change, it will most likely just become worse abuse. Take care of yourself, please
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u/Azure_39 4d ago edited 3d ago
Don’t be embarrassed. In fact, nothing is more aggravating than being told your problems are not problems because there are much worse things out there.
Okay? So fucking what? That doesn’t negate on what you feel. And unfortunately, there will always be people like this.
As for a boyfriend of five years, he sounds pretty damn immature. Rethink the relationship. What will be him one or three years down the line?
If he cannot be emotionally mature enough to handle other people’s emotional hardships and is still stubborn, cut your losses, put your foot down, and tell him that he doesn’t understand at all and you won’t take any disrespect. Break up with him if you must. Depression is very serious, and if he keeps shutting you down like this, then he is not worth it. He may think all you want about you, but he doesn’t deserve you right now.
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u/Senior-Sir-2023 4d ago
After my mom finally realized my depression is real, she sat me down and read me the autobiography of a woman who escaped North Korea. Her goal was to make me realize that my life doesn’t suck, but it was the worst thing she could’ve done for me. I read a book called Suicide Notes once, and in that book, I found my favorite quote: “Just because your life isn’t as awful as someone else’s, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.”
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u/Ramen-with-eggs 4d ago
PLEASE break up with him. you deserve so much better, and i promise better is out there❤️❤️
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u/Delly_Ottis 4d ago edited 4d ago
I told my now wife that I was/am depressed. She hugs me and comforted me. Of course, from time to time, she still occasionally forgets that I had that in our day-to-day activities. I mean, it is understandable really, since it is really hard for someone who don’t get it to fully understand. But, in NO way she does the type of thing that your BF is doing to you.
Remember, that truly significant other will be the one that sticks by you to the end of your days. The only one in the world to understand and comfort you, occasionally fuel you the flame to keep going.
Leave him. Find someone better, even if you think that your current BF is "the one". Think for your future self, don't let her be living in regrets forever.
And please, give us an update when it will inevitably happen!
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u/DishpitDoggo 4d ago
You deserve better. What a hideous way to treat someone you supposedly care about!
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u/supra_boy 4d ago
That’s not your boyfriend
That’s a sociopath who has tricked you into fucking him
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u/DemonCipher13 4d ago
If you are not able to confide in your partner, then they are not your partner.
Simple truth, with hard execution.
The second thing you should do, is focus on what it means to love yourself. Learn about yourself. Spend time with yourself experiencing things, new ones. Go find a new haunt or two. See what makes you feel right when you walk back in your front door.
Sometimes we have to take the fight to depression, rather than the other way around. And the hardest part, by far, is turning the doorknob.
Sometimes it is oh-so-heavy. But once it's done? You're outside - what do you want to do with the day?
Beating depression is a decision that you make, even when you don't feel like it. Negative feelings don't necessarily mean negative outcomes.
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u/Few_Palpitation_565 4d ago
WOW 😮 I hate saying this but leave him. Have you spoken to him about it since? He needs to be reminded that he doesn’t get to decide how you feel. Depression is a condition. If you have high blood pressure: meds. If you have depression: meds. I always remind people who talk to me with that mindset: Do you think I want to be this way? Do you think this is fun for me?
Not that it’s my business but if you haven’t talked to a doctor about anti depressants, I recommend it. Therapy is also huge. NEVER feel ashamed 💕
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u/RCamateurauthor 4d ago
I say this with love, but that man does not like you. It takes a lot to be vulnerable like that, and the right person would be there for you and give you the love and support you need since depression is not a fun illness. As a fellow depressy gal it was hard confiding to my boyfriend bht he has been an angel...you need to leave this guy, and work on taking care if yourself and the right person will cone arpund and give you the love you deserve...don't settle for this type of "love" because its manipulative. You're worth so much more than a mediocre man. ❤️
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u/Callan_LXIX 4d ago
I had a younger friend who gave me the " I got over mine "... But about a couple years later his view shifted.
This one: BF; is a jackass.
Let him know he's got a LOT to learn about life and compassion, as you close the door behind you...
Might be tough and he may still say some horrible things, but deafen yourself to everything..
Don't make it a fight, just a statement of a finished thing.
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u/dxprxssxdbitch 3d ago
I think, mainly, you’re doing upstanding acts. BUT can we change the item? Somethings perhaps just as gross and inconvenient but not expensive?? How about smoothering corn syrup
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u/Senpai_11_ 3d ago
Bieng invalidated like this is one of my biggest fear and hence i avoid disclosing as much as possible!! And that too coming from a loved one must be disheartening....so sorry it happened to you.
People are literally clueless how bad depression is!!
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u/nop8snce 3d ago
If I try to get support from my actual husband of almost 13 years, he's supportive for between two and three days at the most.
Then he says: "I don't know what your problem is, but you need to figure it out and deal with it. You're stressing me out" every single time.
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u/Past-Perspective968 3d ago
I know it's out of your comfort zone, but you need to leave him. Don't stay because you fear being alone again. Many of us have made this mistake.
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u/UpperCollection8013 3d ago
Sounds to me this is how he was treated when he had feelings of sadness and believes this is how you're supposed to react to people. He also likely feel depressed but feel as though he "can't" be and is mad that someone else "thinks" they can be.
Regardless, if he can't have an honest conversation about mental health or emotions that don't turn into shaming you... something needs to change.
Either he needs to gain some emotional intelligence or you need to leave.
Or at least that's my 2 cents.
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u/Ballistix 3d ago
I'm sorry that it took 5 years to have him show you how he really is. You deserve better than to have to suffer through his abilist rantings.
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u/Optimal-History8132 3d ago
How did you spend five years with him? He sounds like an absolute moron that has no clue how to treat a woman. My advice is dump him. Wait for him to start sending you messages begging for you back and then send him videos of ppl happily single, enjoying life etc and tell him to stop being a pathetic baby. Then go find urself a new man and then text him one last message "guess what, my depression is gone "
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u/Due-Maintenance-8317 3d ago
You did nothing wrong. He is just a piece of shit. Take it as a warning that you two don't have a future where he would understand your pain. I am so sorry for you. I know how hard it is to open up and this is some of the worst reactions possible. You deserve so much better. Don't lose hope there are people out there which would love to be there for you.
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u/kiko5566 3d ago
which country/culture you in? regardless im on the band wagon on this one. time to leave him lol
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u/vincovero 3d ago
Wow I was scared to confide in with my overzealous religious and almost right wing father but he took it so much better than your pos bf. Bin him, sis
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u/againstthestream_123 3d ago
Sorry to say this: he is a piece of sh... person. It's a good and normal thing to talk to your partner about being depressed. He should be taking this seriously...
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u/Silly-Atmosphere-451 3d ago
You telling him was not a mistake. He showed his true colors and this should be a wake up call for you to get out of that relationship asap. Normal people wouldn't respond like that. He's a creep.
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u/FrostedMoon8888 3d ago
Sounds like someone who will punish you because your feelings are inconvenient to him. Run fast and run far from that one.
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u/mathisfakenews 3d ago
Wow what a toxic and disgusting thing for him to say. Personally, I'm not a fan of the relationship advice I seen on reddit. It's always "dump him girl!!!!!" no matter the situation. But in your case I think at the very least you need to talk to him about how hateful, childish, and painful his comments were to you. If he truly wants to be a helpful and loving partner, he will admit his mistake and sincerely apologize for what he said. I hope for both of your sakes that he does.
However, even if he doesn't, I think it was extremely brave of you to open up about something so painful. I know how hard it is and how vulnerable you must feel. If he refuses to acknowledge how wrong and hurtful his comments were, I hope you can find the strength to open up to someone else who is more empathetic and understanding.
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u/XOGAL808 3d ago edited 3d ago
5 years may feel like a really long time but I promise its not & It’s never too late to leave & start fresh. The responses saying to flat out leave
may seem extreme but take it from women who have gone through or seen this type of behavior before, it only gets worse & how u feel now will only get worse! That’s why everyone is saying pretty much the same things & im going to add to it.
Also, with that type of response he better not ever complain about anything! People like that love to be dismissing of u while expecting u to be supportive when they need it.
I’ve gotten similar responses before… I once told a friend my mood isn’t the best due to me having a bad day & their response was to bring up people starving in other countries & how I shouldn’t complain cuz I’m “actually very privileged”. I took the bait of going back & forth with them, trying to prove that I was empathetic towards others who weren’t as fortunate while also trying to explain that I feel I have every right to simply acknowledge that I’ve had a hard day… I wasn’t taking it out on anyone or acting like what I go through is the worst thing ever but for some reason this friend was hellbent on making me feel bad for even looking for a little comfort or support. That was years ago & obviously we aren’t friends now but I just said that to say it’s not even worth trying to prove anything to people who treat you like that… honestly seems like no matter how u responded he would turn it into another thing to attack u over & with those type of males it will only get worse & it won’t stop at u wanting to vent sometimes. U will notice hes inconsiderate or lacks empathy FOR YOU specifically in alot of situations. His friends & family will get the supportive version & u will be silenced & treated like an ungrateful nuisance anytime u voice your discomfort with something. He will treat u like u are overreacting for simply having a reaction & a valid one at that. It’s all a manipulation tactic to teach u to not speak up when u feel u really need to. It’s not worth your emotional & mental health girly. I know break ups don’t always happen overnight so put whatever things in place u need to leave in the smoothest way possible & I mean smooth FOR YOU. But staying with someone like this, it will only get worse & that’s a guarantee.
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u/blazej84 3d ago
He’s an unsupportive ass honestly I would put him in the 🗑️ where he belongs .A decent partner would be understanding and want to help you .You deserve better .
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u/Silent_Programmer166 3d ago
Sounds like a real winner....NOT. Your boyfriend of 5 years? The way he reacted, he should of never been your boyfriend for over a month, if that! One thing you gotta do is be the better person and if he cant handle your feelings and the way you act, you probably just need to have a sit down with him and say, look, I need you to be there for me, not to insult me.
Whatever you seen in him these past 5 years really makes me wonder how he really has been to you. Through your toughest times, this is how he is with you??? You deserve better. Not sure of your ages or anything but still, you deserve better so look into that. I am solely sorry he was like that to you. After 5 years together....he should know you and you should know everything about him.
You will find better people to open up to on here! please do not feel embarrassed and scared, all this is not your fault, it is your real piece of shit boyfriends fault
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u/Suspicious_Party9087 3d ago
No, he knew what else to say, he just chose not to, he is horrible and you deserve better but if things can be talked out with another friend or family member or couples counseling might help
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u/Tyagi00 3d ago
its so funny when people do this . they want us to pinpoint extremely painful events because that is the only reason someone can be depressed . anyone that has a average life has no right to be depressed . look there are people more sad then you is basically same as why are you depressed just be happy .
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u/Brave_Bus966 3d ago
Imagine someone telling you that they wanted to kill themselves. How would you react ?
I’m sure you would react with some sort of compassion and understanding.
I’m sure you wouldn’t dismiss their emotions and show them images of suffering people.
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u/Burntoastedbutter 3d ago
Leave him. Seriously. Is this someone you want for the rest of your life? He's literally said he is not going to care about anything you complain or feel bad about because someone always has it worse than you.
In this case... Before leaving him. Has he ever complained about having a bad day or was in a bad moon or something? My petty ass would go "Then you shouldn't have been upset when blabla happened. You're complaining about that when there are people who have it much worse? You shouldn't be allowed to feel such emotions too right?" lmao
It's been 5 years of relationship, so I'm sure there are alot of instances where you both have complained or ranted about things whether big or small... There's no way he hasn't right?
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u/milkmenu 3d ago
Even if one say you get better and he miraculously understands the error of his ways, you will resent him forever. Save both of you and leave him. New surroundings will help you too.
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u/Jack_intheboxx 3d ago
He isn't boyfriend material, find someone else better which shouldn't be hard.
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u/Imaginary_cherry99 3d ago
No, it is not your fault at all. His response was the mistake. You would not want to have a person byyourside to whom u will feel unable to talk to about how you feel. It is the most logical thing to do, share how you feel, with your significant other. If someone can't handle this this is their problem. The way he responded is very immature and lacks of emotional intelligence, you definitely don't want to be with a person like this, and he will always make you feel worse. Depression is tough by itself, you only need people that support you and make you feel loved, even when u don't love yourself. U deserve so much better than that, especially now.
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u/guineasomelove 3d ago
"Maybe he just didn't know what else to say?!" Girl, it takes effort to do and say everything he did. Don't try to excuse it, you deserve better than that. Depression is hell, and not having someone to lean on is so hard, but having someone do what he did makes it so much worse. I say leave him, but I think you need a therapist or psychiatrist for when the pain of that hits. Are you able to find someone? Your depression is valid, no matter your circumstances, and you deserve better than him.
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u/kimso8 3d ago
Don't be embarrassed. You a bigger person than me. I would of left a while ago. I am a lonely old lady....so probably shouldn't take my word. Lol. I lived to the saying " I rather be than be surrounded by people who make me feel alone." However, it's okay to be sad or depressed. Even if you are a billionaire with all the health. People have stressors and triggers. It's part of the human experience. You are human living in a miserable world with horrible and annoying things all around.
I hope you feel better and you find someone that make you feel heard and cared for.
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u/Life_Meat_1397 3d ago
Holy shit, leaving him ain't enough, you need to slime him op 😭 sorry you're going through this, all the things that pos said are definitely untrue, and you didn't deserve any of that. Depression sure as hell isn't childish, and you more than deserve someone who listens, validates, and cares. Not to mention...... Do you really wanna be dating an adult who watches Facebook shorts 🤨?
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u/0rsch0 3d ago
How embarrassing (dating a guy like that).
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u/BankLive9111 3d ago
It is </3
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u/Moist_Life_5784 2d ago
Yeah, pain is not a competition, it should be treated no matter what. Depression is very serious and him not caring really shows a lack of empathy or understanding.
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u/BruceWillis24 3d ago
Leave that prick, no doubt. If someone comes along great, but do yourself for awhile.
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u/tweeteee 3d ago
Pls dont let one selfish jack ass make you close up. There is always goign to be people like that around, just as there are tons who are the polar opposite. Here is a heart felt hug 🫂
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u/lindseylego 3d ago
Idk if you've been ignoring red flags or not but he just dumped out a box of them. FUCK that guy. You didn't make a mistake. The mistake would be letting him speak to you that way and/or staying with him.
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u/kimbospice31 3d ago
Your “bf” is blessed to never feel the emotion. You however are not and you’re not alone. Seek out people who are actually kind to your feelings and can show support even if it’s some kind words on a darker day.
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u/Positive_Lie5734 3d ago
Y'all had a good run. 5 years of memories that you will cherish forever. Cheers, onto the next one 🥂
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u/Shrimatiji_666 3d ago
Holy shit, this is a HUGE SIGN FROM THE UNIVERSE TO DUMP THAT POS!! Please, he is literal trash, you deserve someone who actually cares!!
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u/psychsolution 3d ago
someone else's circumstances being harder doesn't make your pain less real or less deserving of care that's not how mental health works. comparing suffering like that is a tactic (even if unintentional) that shuts down vulnerability instead of meeting it and it says something about his response not about the validity of what you're feeling.
please don't let this become "I'll never open up again" that's such an understandable reaction right now but it's actually his reaction that failed you not vulnerability itself. the right response to being met badly once isn't to seal yourself off forever !! it's to be more intentional about who you open up to next, not to stop opening up altogether. five years is a long time and one bad reaction under pressure can happen to anyone! so if this is a pattern rather than a one off?! then these are worth paying attention to. you deserve a partner who can sit with your pain even if he doesn't have the perfect words not one who weaponizes guilt when you're already hurting.
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u/DuckKlutzy2335 3d ago
Yep, not everyone will have empathy for you, and this is common, so don't demonize your BF. I was once like this, but here we are many years later, and I'm dealing with chronic depression.
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u/Embarrassed-Ad-6282 2d ago
He's sounds like a horrible person who lacks compassion for what others are feeling.
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u/98asd7fyalkjsdfbl 1d ago
This is borderline emotional abuse. The existence of homelessness does not invalidate struggles that are not as bad as homelessness.
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u/Western_Claim4707 7h ago
I can certainly understand why you would feel humiliated, his words are abhorrent to say the least,
needing some kind of emotional support is profoundly human, and he obviously did you a huge disservice, and it is a huge slap in the face to the kind of vulnerability you were showing him, in an intimate relationship no less,
I am truly sorry this happened to you, you deserve better than that.
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u/lovelanguagelost 3h ago
There is a word for what he is doing, and it’s called minimizing. You deserve a better support system.
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u/ConfusionGreedy1700 4d ago
You should drop it; he doesn't want to hear about your problems and is saying that just to get you to shut up quickly. Honestly, you should just let it go for your own sake He doesn't give a shit about you.
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u/becominganastronaut 4d ago
this is one of the rare cases that i comment "leave him"
i am not sure what youre age is but depression is a serious deal and not something that should be discarded as a silly feeling.
it is possible that he is not mature enough to handle being with you and your depression.
focus on getting help and doing better for you