How do I tell my parents that I have anxiety and depression
I've been struggling with depressed for about 2 years now. I'm not sure when or why it exactly started but recently it's gotten really bad. I've been having some hard time breathing like I have to try hard to inhale. I live in a really competitive country and this year 2025 I'm going to high-school and I'm really stressed since grades in high school are a major deal in my country. I've just "dealt with depression and anxiety " by trying to bottle it away. But recently I can't get myself to do anything and I'm too tired to do anything because I'm so tired worrying all day. Honestly I wish everything could just end. I never really ask my parents for help but I think I really need to see a therapist or get anti depressents. So I'm wondering if I can go see a therapist without my parents?? Or how do I tell my parents all of this. I tried bringing it up a few times but it never really got to the 'I have depression '. It just ended up as I worry about lot or something like that. Also the thing is my parents are kinda of a part of what's causing my mental issues. I hear them talking about me at night when I'm trying to sleep and I can't fall asleep because I hear faint voices and sometimes my name and yelling and arguing. I'm so stressed someone help me
@llliv
Hey, I’m really sorry to hear how tough things have been for you. It sounds like you’ve been carrying so much, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Sharing this is incredibly brave, and it shows how strong you are.
Talking to a therapist could really help, and if bringing it up with your parents feels scary, writing it down like you did here might make it easier. Then you could follow the note with talking- say something simple like, “I’ve been feeling really low for a while, and I think I need some professional help to feel better.” Maybe also bring along a trusted friend or a sibling as a buffer. Ease them into it and remember—it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Their reaction isn’t on you, and you’re not responsible for how they handle it. . I think it’s good to involve your parents as they can help you find the right therapist and support you through this, since you are in high school and a minor.
Remember - You’re not alone in this, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Be kind to yourself—you’ve already shown so much courage by opening up. 💛
@llliv
If I were you I’d tell a therapist or someone professional who can understand you and help you out prior to telling your parents.
I tried that the other way around. Didn’t work as it just created even more problems on top of the problems I already had been living with at the time.
In your school do you have a school counselor you can go to? Or do you have a teacher you feel you could reach out to to ask for assistance in seeing a therapist?
That might be a good place to start. I don’t know your situation but it sounds like your parents have some kind of understanding of what is happening since they seem to be talking about it at night, but they just don’t know how to handle the situation.
Is therapy something that is frowned upon in your country or are people generally okay with it?
