I'm Embarrassed About Feeling Depressed: What Should I Do?

It’s hard to talk about depression, even today. Stigma surrounds mental health conditions, and you might feel unsure of where to begin or how to reach out. 

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Dr. Oluranti Adepoju and our compassionate team understand these struggles. We’ve helped countless patients overcome feelings of shame, get the support they need, and regain control over their lives.

If you’re feeling embarrassed about your depression, you’re not alone, and there’s hope. Here, we talk about the stigma surrounding depression, why it persists, and how we can help you move forward with evidence-based treatments designed to fit your needs.

The stigma around depression

Many people with depression feel ashamed of their symptoms or worry about how others might judge them. Unfortunately, this stigma can make you feel isolated and delay your decision to seek professional help.

Here are the most common stigmas around depression:

1. Public stigma is society’s generalized negative view of mental illnesses; it perpetuates myths that people with depression are weak or overly emotional.
2. Self-stigma happens when you have depression and internalize feelings of guilt or shame.
3. Structural stigma involves systemic barriers, such as inadequate mental health services or disparities in care.

These issues are particularly amplified by media portrayals of mental illness as overly dramatic or dangerous, further reinforcing incorrect assumptions about conditions like depression.

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, Dr. Adepoju and our team work to undo these damaging perceptions by providing a safe, judgment-free space. The first step is recognizing that depression doesn’t define who you are, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure.

Why does this stigma persist?

Understanding why stigma exists can help deconstruct its impact. Many incorrect ideas about mental health come from:

History: For centuries, mental illness was misunderstood and even treated as a moral or spiritual failing.

Media portrayals: Popular movies and TV shows often paint an inaccurate picture of mental illness and only portray extremes.

Cultural norms: Some communities discourage mental health discussions and even shun those who struggle with these issues, making it harder to seek help.

By identifying the sources of stigma, you can start to unpack the biases you may hold against yourself. Remember, depression is a medical condition, not a weakness or a choice.

How Revive Holistic Psychiatry can help

Dr. Adepoju takes a holistic and personalized approach to treating depression. Here are a few ways we can support you:

Personalized treatment plans

No two patients are the same, and neither are their experiences with depression. We start with an in-depth assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. This allows us to build a tailored treatment plan for your unique needs.

Expert medication management

We understand that the right medication is key to managing depression, but we also know it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We help you find the ideal balance between efficacy and minimal side effects, using evidence-based approaches such as GeneSight® testing to discover the medications that best align with your genetic profile.

Innovative therapies

For patients whose depression hasn’t responded to traditional methods, we offer Spravato®, an FDA-approved nasal spray designed for treatment-resistant depression. With significant results observed in as little as a few hours, Spravato can be a valuable tool for those who struggle with ongoing depressive symptoms. 

Talk therapy and lifestyle support

Therapy is a powerful way to address the root causes of your depression. Whether it’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reshape negative thought patterns, or lifestyle recommendations to promote better sleep, nutrition, and exercise, we ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Compassionate guidance

We understand that seeking help isn’t easy, so we do all we can to make talking about your depression judgment-free and comfortable. 

Take the first step today

Feeling embarrassed or stuck shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you deserve. At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, we’re here to help you overcome the barriers of stigma and build a brighter future. Call our Weymouth, Massachusetts, office to schedule your appointment, or book online.