how should i tell my parents?

Question

Well I've felt this way for a long time but Im sure I have depression. Well I read up on it tonight and realized I had all the symptoms and I don't want to feel this way no more. My family has a bad history with clinic depression, and my mom set me up an appointment to see why I sleep so much but I'm sure its because of my depression. How should I tell her, or should I just talk to the doctor first?

Symptoms:
Missed school or poor school performance
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed
Persistent sadness and hopelessness
Problems with authority
Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
Poor self-esteem or guilt
Overreaction to criticism
Frequent physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches
Anger and rage
Lack of enthusiasm, low energy, or motivation
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Thoughts of death or suicide

Answer 1

I think you should tell your Parents. That way they know what you are going through. Especially if your family has a history with depression, they will understand.

Answer 2

It is great that your mom has an appointment for you and that you are concerned enough to look into things yourself. I would say to wait and talk to your doctor and then you can discuss it with your mom then, only because it can be difficult to talk with parents about such isolating feelings. However, you say that you have "thoughts of death or suicide". This is serious, and with depression, thoughts can easily become action. I think you should take the information you have researched, sit your mom down and tell her about your take on the matter. Explain that you believe your problems may be due to depression and go over the symptoms that apply to you. Be honest, tell her about your thoughts of suicide or death. It may be shocking to her, but she needs to know how serious this problem is so that she can get the appropriate help and be there for you. Parents often only see the physical signs, when the psychological (thoughts, and self-criticism and doubt) are the most damaging. Tell her you need her help.

Answer 3

If you already have an appointment set up, skip the stressfulness of trying to tell your parents and talk to your doctor about it. be conpletely honest with him or her about exactly how you are feeling. If for some reason the appointment falls through, just tell your mom or dad, whoever you are most comfortable with, "I am not myslef, I think something is wrong." I went through the exact same thing, but I didn't know it was depression for a long time, I was just kinda "lost." Tell them you are scared and you would like to talk to a doctor to see if it is depression, or maybe something else. Most of the time, they will be understanding and more than willing to want to help...if not, talk to a councelor someone else you are close with. I hope this helps and you get to talk to someone about your problem!

Answer 4

I have my mother to thank, I have been living with depression since I was 13 I am now 27. I used to lie to my mother when I was younger but one day I decided to try the "truth". And after all these years she knows me, she knows when I am upset or when I'm lying. And being someone who lives with depression its just a great lift off your tired soul to have a parent who knows you inside out. I believe I wouldn't have lived so long if I didn't have her.

So try honesty slowly at first. Let them know your hurting and try to trust them (your parents) and not only your parents a best friend or brother or sister or a cousin, because life does have its challenges for you and its good to have someone to listen to you or just keep you company when it feels like its about to all come down.

Answer 5

Just let them know at the appointment, or drop hints and give them some of your symptoms and I am sure they will figure it out.

Answer 6

Self diagnosis is never a good idea. Speak with your doctor.

Answer 7

Thank goodness you realized your symptoms. Your mom prob already did--just tell her.

Answer 8

honey if you feel this way then yes you should talk with your mom and if she dont listen to you then yes talk with your doctor and see if he can talk with her and your dad........i hope everything works out for you and god bless you are doing something to help yourself i wished i would have a long time ago.......i hope everything works out for you and god bless ............

Answer 9

tell you parents, they are all you have and will get you the help you need.good luck.