Because it’s an illness that cannot be seen. Some people if they cannot see it they don’t believe.

Hi Jerry,

You are one of the lucky people. The depression is internalized at this point and not so out of control that you are debilitated. You may feel that you are lower functioning and that may be true, but on the outside, you are keeping up your appearance it seems.
That is why this disease has had a stigma attached to it. Especially when suffering from anxiety. No one can see the thoughts that are tangling up your mind and making you not think clearly. NO one can feel how low your self esteem has plummeted.
It is all part of the disease of depression.
If you lose a lot of weight or gain a lot of weight, they will still not associate it with depression.

I read in the New York Times that your state is going to be funding Medicaid. That means you will have a documented disability by your doctor and will be able to get your medicine thru the state. The state will pay for your prescriptions.

I think they are voting it in on your next primary.

Talk to you later. You are still here with us and we love you
Sylxo

Hi Jerry, I also struggle with this. Even when I tell relatives how depressed and anxious I have been feeling, they still think I am ok and don't understand why I haven't built a career or have a full time job. It's like they can't understand what I'm telling them. I avoid seeing many of then now as it hurts so much when they make judgements of me. Take care, we know how you feel.

I am having the hardest time keeping a job too. Disability insurance takes a long time to get, and there is no guarantee that I can get it. I am just holding on trying to survive.

Hugs .some people probably don't know what to say