How do i tell my parents im depressed?
I'm an 18 year old girl. And i feel so depressed, and have done for such a long time, i don't remember the last time i was properly happy. I want to talk to my parents and I've been wanting to do so for so long but i don't know how. I'm just really scared, idk. I don't want it go the wrong direction, like it seems like a good idea, but what if it turns out i shouldn't have told them? We don't have a school counseller, so there's no one in college i can talk to.
My parents are religious and self harming (which i do) and suicidal thoughts is a sin. I do believe I'm very good at hiding the way i feel, so i'm scared that if i tell them, they simply won't believe me, or they'll say 'you'll get better soon' and I've heard this far too many times to believe it.
Also i don't really know if i really am depressed, maybe i'm just a bit unhappy; i self harm and feel **** almost all the time. I hate my life and i hate myself. I feel so paralysed and immobile. I literally feel helpless, i don't know, im just a weak person.
I don't even know how to describe how i feel, i just need some help.
Comments
You could try some self-help books, Janet Jackson comes to mind, maybe Oprah has something.
If you think your parents will react badly, be prepared. Maybe go through a hypothetical situation and think of things to say/do.
I also suggest to talk to your general practitioner/doctor and discuss seeing a psychiatrist.
I would assume that a real-life friend would be more helpful than someone you talk to on the Internet.
What about religion? Do you have a pastor/religious you can talk to. Prayer/meditation could be helpful.
You seem to have made a decision that you are going to tell your parent's already. Now you are just trying to figure out the how to and deal with the anxiety that goes with it.
If your not sure what you want to say why don't you sit down and make a plan. Write down what you want to tell them, what you would like to come out of the conversation and what action you want to take to feel better. Least this way you are going into the conversation prepared.
I would also think about when you want to tell them. Making it formal and approaching them when they are distraction free may be a good idea. Ask them to sit down with you as you need to talk about something serious. You could always ask someone to be there with you for support when you tell them if you think that will help.
Be as truthful as possible with them. You can acknowledge their/ your religion and ask them to pray for you but suggest you would like other help to such as a doctor/counsellor.
Your not weak, asking for help is very brave.
If you're under 25 and live in Wales, and you'd like more information on this or anything else, you could think about contacting Meic. Meic is an information and support helpline for young people in Wales which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Telephone: 080880 23456
Text: 84001
IM: www.meiccymru.org