Should I tell my family?

[camilo]

The answer to this might be obvious for some but I have a long history of chronic depression which has caused a lot of worry in my family, in particular with my parents who are in their late seventies. I'm afraid if I disclose this to them it's going to cause them additional grief and they are not in great health. I don't want to put that on them, but at the same time I don't want to be dishonest and live a lie. I'm much more inclined not to tell them. I have told my one sister who has always been the one

to share my most private troubles with.

[HikingGirl]

I don't see any good reason to tell your family. You're not living a lie by keeping private matters private. It doesn't affect them in any way and there's no need for them to know. My own family is pretty judgmental and I knew early on they would not be a source of support. I tried telling a couple of friends who I think did not know how to be a support so that was a bust too. Going forward, I'm limiting it to potential sexual partners and people who have truly earned a right to hear my story. When I need support, I come here or go see my therapist. :-)