why are people who claim/are depressed happy to hear about the depression of others

Why do people who claim to be depressed like hearing about depression in others? They know how bad it is for them so why would they want it to affect other people? why are they happy to hear about the depression of others?<br><br>Its a happening theme in my life. my girlfriend is depressive and always opens up to me about people she knows being chronically depressed/mentally ill. I know shes happy to hear how mentally ill they are because she sees herself as mentally ill too.<br><br>A lot of people claim to be/are depressed and they are happy to hear about depression, mental illness in others. Why?<br><br>Maybe its schadenfraude but a happening theme in my life is depressed people loving to hear how depressed other people are and how much depression affects their lives. They know how bad depression is for them so why would they be happy to hear about the depression of others? They open up to me about how depressed people they know are and how much depression affects their lives and theyre happy about it. I dont get it.