If you are reading this article then you know what I'm talking about. You come from a family of "strong women" or men:). Or you hold the role of the strong nurturer in your family. You have no time for...depression.

So you try to hide it.

But let me let you in on a little secret...you are either doing one of two things to yourself:

1. You are not fooling anyone but yourself.
It's called living in the land of DENIAL. Much like someone suffering from an addiction - you think that no one notices how you prefer to stay in, you let the answering machine pick up, you are in bed well into prime-time daylight hours, you hate your job, everyone is getting on your nerves, the local or worlds news affects the rest of your day, you are drinking in excess, you are eating in excess, or you are starving yourself, and I could go on and on.

But you get the picture right? You may be fooling a few people, but not most. Anyone who listens to their instincts or has done some basic research on depression will be able to tell that you are most likely suffering from it. And so what was the point of expending all that energy trying to keep it from them?

AND/OR

2. You are sabotaging yourself.
You may think that you are keeping what's going on with you to yourself for good reasons, but when it's all said and done, no one benefits from your silence.

If you are a parent, your children are confused why you are distant and not connected to them. If you are a daughter or son, your parents don't have the opportunity to give you advice or support during this time. If you are an employee, you have not given your employers the opportunity to at least understand why you are unproductive or why you have a bad attitude. If you are in a place of authority in the workplace, you are doing your employees a disservice -- they are not getting the best of you.

And while I'm on that topic -- no one is getting the best of you when you're depressed. And believe it or not, there are people out there who want to help you be the best you can be -- if only they knew you needed or wanted their help.

So what does keeping silent about your depression really get you?
Well...nothing.

So don't be afraid to speak up about your depression. There is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression is not a "weakness" in your character. It is a mental health disorder which affects millions of people a year. Some are in the closet and some are out!

Are you ready to come out?

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Lisa Angelettie, "GirlShrink" is an online advice authority. Her site GirlShrink.com is the #1 "Advice & Counseling" site on the web and contributing author of "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life". Instantly get a FREE Bonus when you sign up for her free Better Choices Ezine. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful mental health resources. Subscribe below.