Ask Sam

Hi there,

Thanks for your message. Well done for seeking support for your feelings of depression. It was a very brave thing you did to open up to your friend and it sounds like you put your trust in her to support you through this time. It’s understandable that you felt upset by her reaction as you felt she didn’t care and it sounds like this reaction really surprised you. It sounds like you coped with it really well, by doing something you enjoyed (listening to music) in order to distract yourself from getting too upset.

Sometimes it can be hard to know how to react in every situation and perhaps if you spoke to your friend about her reaction she could explain how she felt. At least that way you can decide whether she is the type of friend you feel you could rely on in the future for support. 

It is important that you feel you have someone to talk to when you need support with your depression, whether this is another friend, family member, school nurse or ChildLine. You were brave to reach out to your friend and it’s a shame that it hasn’t gone the way you’d hoped. Don’t let that put your off speaking to someone else that your trust. Bottling up your feelings can make you feel worse so well done on having the strength to speak out about what’s happening for you. You aren’t alone, other young people speak to us about feeling depressed so have a look at the Message boards for more advice and support from young people. Young Minds have some advice on their website about how to choose someone to talk to about your feelings.

You might also find it useful to check out Explore to look at the information there about Depression and Friendships. ChildLine counsellors are also here if you want to talk some more about how you are feeling. You can contact us either through email, 1-2-1 chat or our by calling our freephone number 0800 1111. 

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Sam