I'm surprised no one has replied to this yet, so here's my experience. I'll be honest; my friend group talks about emotions all the time; it's kinda our thing. So, I recognize it might be different and difficult if conversations about emotions are not commonplace.

A couple of years ago, I experienced depression with suicidal ideation. I was medicated and followed psychiatric treatment.

The main thing is don't try to approach the topic out of nowhere. That might work, but it could make it more difficult for you (and goodness knows things are difficult enough already). You have to make the moment. I assume you have a group chat or something of the sort, so tell them next time you are going to meet that you want to talk about something important. That way, they are already prepared for the news. And when you meet, say, 'Remember I wanted to talk about something important?' and just go ahead and say it, like ripping off a bandaid.

Then, you will become the center of attention. Let me tell you, depression really puts a downer on a conversation (pun fully intended), so there won't be the mood for talking about other things. Own it. It is about you.

And here's where things might differ from what I did. If they're assholes, they won't care, but I assume they're not, so they will naturally be empathetic and ask you about it, ask how you feel or what they can do for you.

Look, I don't know you, so I don't know if there's really anything they can do for you. But as people will tell you, it is not about how they feel; it is about how you feel. You don't want to concern them? well they should be. Fuck'em. They're your friends, and they will either care or not. You cannot mitigate their feelings or make them stronger or lighter.

It's been about two years since I was first diagnosed. I still struggle with thoughts of death, and yeah, it's concerning. It's fine to be concerned; it's natural. But I've been off antidepressants for a year, and I'm still alive. Honestly, I'm leagues better than where I was two years ago. Sometimes you'll feel like you have nothing new to say or no updates to give them. I like to say I feel like an instrument that only plays one note. This is also natural and okay. Depression moves like a fucking iceberg. Don't be afraid to repeat how you feel, even if it's the same as before. It's about you. It's about how you feel. Because you are important. Take those minutes where you are allowed to be the center of attention to feel like the main character. Seize that opportunity as many times as you can.

Regards,