How do I tell my parents that I may be suffering from depression or want to go see a doctor?

Answer 1

i've been there, and i can tell you from my own experience that parents don't always get it. my parents were somewhat traditional and thought (still think) that psychology is a crock.

but, i found a therapist anyhow and it really helped me pull through my deepest times. i ended up taking some anti-depressants and this really stabilized my worsening mood and anxieties.

thanks to therapists and meds, i was able to finish up my undergraduate degree and now i'm working on my PhD in psychology (haha).

my parents still don't get it, but what was important at the time was for me to get help, whether they were onboard or not. after you find a therapist, they can help you figure out how to break the news to your parents.

best of luck getting help.

Answer 2

The fact that you are asking on the boards, I'm going to assume that you're hesitant because you're not sure how they will take the news. This is understandable, but, realize that if you feel that this is hindering your life, that it needs to be priority number 1! Our mental well-being, as well, as our physical, are determinants to a healthy lifestyle!

With that being said, ease your way into confronting them. Let them know that it is something that you've been thinking about and that you would like to consider seeing a therapist. Even for parents who are hard pressed by "shrink" analyses, they have to know that depression is a serious illness. There is nothing to be ashamed about, a major chunk of our population suffers from Depression and Anxiety. There are pharmaceutical treatments and psychotherapy that can help you. Don't be afraid to tell them! If you still feel at unease about confronting them, there are free clinics out there.

Good luck to you, my friend.

Answer 3

Tell them straight what U feel and inform them that U need to see a doctor. However, the best people U need to see will be ur parents first. They will be in a better position to determine the reason why U are into depression. Unless both of ur parents are busy with their different chores, then ur other option is to go see a doctor.

Answer 4

I am assuming that since you are asking for help from virtual strangers your parents might be the kind of people who will just tell you to toughen up. That is a hard and scary thing to deal with. My parents always told me that what didn't kill me would make me stronger. When it's depression the terrifying reality is that it can kill you. Tell your parents or the parent you feel will be more accepting. If this doesn't go over well and you are in high school talk to your counselor at school, tell them what's up and your parents reaction. A school counselor can put you in touch with helpful resources. If you are not in school you can go to an urgent care facility and talk to a doctor. Also there are great free resources available from places like the boys and girls clubs of america. Try this site as well, and good luck to you asking for help is so hard, kudos to you for do it!

http://www.spsfv.org/hotlines.htm

Answer 5

Eve,

I have suffered from depression since I was 15. When I first started feeling symptoms I figured it was just being a teenager and it was normal, so I never really talked to anyone about it. When I was 19, because I had let it go untreated, things got really bad for me and I tried to kill myself before I got help.

My advice to you would be for you to just be honest about it. Go to your mom and tell her that you need to talk. Explain to her that you are feeling symptoms of depression and you want to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you think you might have depression, you have to take care of it right away. If it goes untreated for too long, you could get to a place where it becomes harder to come back from and your life, personality, and thought process will be changed for the rest of your life.

Please don't let it go on. Tell your parents right away.

I wish the best to you.

Lani

Answer 6

You don't need to if you are over 12 years old. You have the right to seek mental health care on your own. You can call the doctor yourself or talk to your school counselor. But, if there is no specific reason why you are afraid to tell your parents, it is a good idea to involve them too, because problems develop and change in ways that effect others, so they could be important supports for you.

Answer 7

You need to tell your parents, or go to other responsible adults to help you get the help you are needing! If you feel depressed, you certainly need to be seeing a Psychologist, or Psychiatrist! You must take care of your needs first, and not be afraid of how your parents will react! Depression can be treated with medication, and counseling. Take Care!

Answer 8

It takes courage to ask for help and I am glad you are taking that first step. Tell your parents and they will be more than willing to help you get whatever kind of help you need. Today doctors know so much about how to treat depression that no one needs to suffer from it. The sooner you get help, the better.

Best wishes.

Answer 9

Be honest in telling them how you are feeling, the way that you perceive things. If there is an inability to function let them know this. If you having trouble getting out of bed, going to school or work then they should know this as well. If there are suicidal thoughts be very honest with them. Most parents are very understanding when your honest about how you are feeling and show concern

Answer 10

Tell them just as you have asked us. They may ask you some questions, but I am sure they will understand and will want you to get the help you think you need. I wish that my son would have come to me with his concerns. We had to struggle for quite a while before he finally came to realization that he needed help. You have nothing to lose but time the long you wait to talk to them the longer you'll suffer. So do it ASAP!!! You'll be glad you did.