I think I have depression and I want to tell my parents but my brother recently got diagnosed so I feel like they would think that I'm just trying to get attention. What do I do?

I think the best thing to do is sit down with your parents and have a conversation. I think the best approach is to ask them to listen before commenting or coming to any conclusions. It might be helpful to write down some notes about what you are feeling and experiencing, and why those things make you believe you have depression. If you are able to articulate with examples, it should prevent them from thinking you are trying to garner attention. Also, you should explain to them that your brother’s diagnosis has helped you to understand that you may be dealing with some of the same issues. Good luck!

I understand you must be very afraid that you might get misunderstood. I have actually told my parents about my mental health concerns and they didn’t take the message very well. Initially I felt hopeless as even my closest family members are doubting my struggles. However, I realised that though it’s hard for them to take in the news at first, eventually they have tried their absolute best to improve my mental health. The key is to really communicate your thoughts and feelings, let them understand that your emotions are valid. I hope this helps and feel free to talk to me if there’s any follow-ups!

I feel like it's best for you to not hide this from your parents - afterall, if we weigh the options: telling them might (although i doubt it) make them react passively, but also might allow them to provide you with the help you need and help you access a full diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, if you keep them in the dark, they definitely would not be able to help you at all! I however understand that you might feel scared. It's absolutely normal, and I cannot hide that some parents might actually feel this way. But, if your parents actually show care fo your brother, they will definitely try and show care for you too. You and they all have to understand that mental illness is not a question of wanting attention or stealing the spotlight - it's always better to be safe than sorry. I suggest you tell them, but then again, that's completely up to you

If you suspect that you do have a depression ,then it's best to see your therapist/psychiatrist to be sure you have one.it's impossible to acquire something that is wrong,for instance depression,without further evaluation,there are many ways that people can get depressed and most of those ways can be both physical and psychological,and just saying "I think I have a depression",is not enough without seeing a proffessional.As for seeing a psychiatrist/psychologist already,people may still be depressed and they could not seem why,that is because,not only psychological thinking does the depression itself.Some cases are actually pointing out to the body itself,not the mid,as if your body is weak,ill,sick or have electrolyte imbalance,can as well make your current mental state worse,in that way it can actually make you anxious,depressed,hallucinated,sleepy,tired,angry,insomniac,and etc.Which to conclude,it's ALWAYS a best idea to seek a professional help if possible,and having an emotional support,cause whatever the case might be,support is ALWAYS best cure for literally everything.

I wouldn’t know much about what you’re going through and I understand how it must feel completely draining but I think you should definitely reach out to someone. It’s important to realise that you’re not alone and your parents would have your best interest at heart. Tackle your doubts in the best way and find a route that does the best for you and don’t think too much about what others might say because you are just as important as anyone else and have the right to choose your own path, whatever that might be. I really do hope you reach out

When you speak to them, acknowledge your brother. You could say that "since (your brother) got diagnosed, it's helped me recognise similar symptoms in myself." State that you are hoping for support and guidance to help you with your depression and be honest about how you felt it was difficult to come to them because you were scared of what they might have thought about you and your brother's situation. If that does not go down well or they are not very supportive, do not be afraid to go to a doctor yourself and ask for help and support.

One thing you could do is approach them in the mindset of learning. You could mention that as you've seen what your brother is doing, its taught you about the signs to look out for when someone is dealing with depression. You could even use it as a learning experience and ask them if depression runs in the family! Then you could let them know that as you've been supporting him in his journey, you've noticed that some of those signs were in your life without you even realizing it! I think that will help them see that you are genuinely searching for help instead of just attention. :)

first off i would just like to say that it is very empowering that you are reaching out. so you feel as if your parents will think you want attention? i am not qualified to give you advice but here on 7cups, we have a large variety of resources i can connect you with! think about what is the best possible way this conversation with your parents could go? how does that make you feel? do you think that since your brother was recently diagnosed that your parents will want to help you too? you are so brave for coming here to talk about this!

Tell them honestly, that you feel that way. Maybe talk to your brother upfront how you feel. Maybe he'll join telling it to your parents! They know that your brother is diagnosed they I think they would not interpret it that way as you are afraid of. I guess talking to your brother upfront, can also help you to because he also made the decision somehow to tell it to your parents. You can ask him how he felt. He probably was in the same situation like you. Take your time and don't be afraid of what they are saying. They are your parents and going to support you.

Your parents are your brother's parents, but they're your parents too, and they love you and care about you. If your brother struggled to open up to your parents, they're going to be pretty relieved that you're approaching them on your own. If not-- it's still unlikely that they would think you're just "trying to get attention." No one wants to pretend to be depressed. And if they already have one child that's struggling with mental health issues, they'd hate to think about losing their other child too. If you feel like you need help, it should always be okay to tell your parents about it.

I’m very sorry that you feel that way. Depression is a serious thing, and should not be taken for granted. I think you should start by telling your parents how you feel, and why you’re feeling that way. In that case they can help you go to a psychologist for you to be diagnosed. Then you will know if you are depressed or anxious. Remember that Every child is precious to our parents so don’t worry about them thinking that you’re trying to get their attention. It’s better if you always share your feelings thoughts and emotions to your parents. Always remember that prevention is better than cure.

"Getting attention" is a common stigma for depression. The thing is that depression is a real sickness - it's no different than getting "diagnosed" with a broken leg. If you think you might have broken your leg, you wouldn't hold off on getting an x-ray because someone might think you're "seeking attention" - you would get it treated! Here too, if you feel you have a real problem you should treat it. In a way, you are helping not just yourself but anyone around you who might feel the same. You will be giving them courage to stand up so stigma and get the help they need, just like you did. Have courage! Getting the help you need is the hardest step, and it is always worth taking.

Depression isn't an arms race where one person has it better or worse than another. It can be expressed in different ways. Not only that, depression has both an environmental and genetic component to it. 1/3 people in our lifetime will have it at some point in our lives. This means that people could possibly carry a predisposition for it and then something in our environment has activated it. I think it's up to you as to when you tell your parents. Otherwise, if you hold it all in, it will eventually get worse and your parents will have to help you anyway. So I think you should let them know that you might be experiencing depression and tell them directly your fears. This way they will understand where you are coming from.

The most important thing right now is to get the help and support you need. Asking for help in itself is a daunting task and on top of that, if you pile on other reasons why not to ask then it will become that much more difficult. Just think of the right reasons, take courage from the truth of your emotions and go for it. Tell your parents about your problem and what you need. They are more likely to understand and help you than judge you, since they already have some experience dealing with this with your brother. All the best!

Hey, it's okay. I know it's hard. When I had been feeling depressed for a while I decided it was about time my parents knew about it. So I wrote them a letter. Writing felt safer than talking. Of course I had to start talking after writing the letter, but it proved to be easier because I didn't have to explain every detail since they were int he letter. I suggest you just put your raw feelings on paper. Just for you, for more insight. Then you can try putting it in a letter. I put the letter in the mailbox before going to school, but I get that it might be stressful to wait an entire day. Good luck! Hope you are feeling better soon

I've been here before, and I know it's a stressful experience. The best thing you can try and do is to try and communicate with them. Explain how you feel and what is making you feel this way. They're your parents, they love you and care about your well-being. Can you tell me what makes you think you may have depression? If you aren't comfortable answering this, you won't have to, just know that this is a safe-space where there is no judgement, and only support. Is there anyone else you've spoken about this to? Just remember to breathe, you've got this.

Tell them about your worries..you should know that depression is not a myth..and everyone goes through difficult stages in thier lives..you family members had also once gone through..so they will understand a bit...just dont hold it inside...and tell them about your worries little by little..they will try to understand you and they will try to make a environment around you which can be comfy and which can may bring a ray of hope and liveliness in your life...try to talk them about your thoughts little by little and let them know what you have been going through... try to open sources of pain, in front of the one person in your family who according to u ,truly loves you and cares about u....

Depression is something highly genetic more often than not, and sometimes the triggers between siblings are the same, i.e. a traumatic event you both experienced etc. I think it would be a good idea to speak to them. Maybe have a research into the link in depression with siblings etc. Tell your parents how you're feeling and explain EXACTLY how you feel. If your brother has just been diagnosed and explained how he felt to them, they should hopefully notice consistent symptoms in you, and therefore believe you, rather than think it is for attention. If you'd prefer to, go to a doctor before you speak to your parents, that way a formal diagnosis can be done and they know a medical professional has diagnosed you.

I feel like you do have to tell your parents about it because they deserve to know about what their child is going through. They're not going to think that you are trying to get attention because after all, they're your parents and they care about you. Depression is a pretty serious condition and you should not take it lightly. It can cause severe problems if not treated. You have to take care of yourself, not just your body but your mind also. I really do think that you should definitely tell your parents about this. It's better to tell it now than wait until things get worse.

As much as you are concerned that your parents may feel like you are just trying to get attention, you need to remember that you have needs also. And it is very important to talk about your mental health. You may even find that it could bring your brother some comfort knowing that someone close to him understands as they have similar battles. Be open and honest with your parents, tell them your concerns but also ask them for their support to help you through this too. Also it may be helpful to seek medical advice first, therefore you would know for sure if you have depression or not before talking to your parents.

Tell them regardless of your worries because they are your parents and your fears stem from your own mind, not theirs. Be honest and open up about your feelings as your brother has done. They will be there for you just the same way they have been for him. They are your parents and they love you all the same. Please don’t keep this to yourself because of your fears of what they may or may not think of what you’re saying. What is important is that they know what is going on with you so that they can better help how you are feeling lately. I hope you find the courage to do so, for you.

I was diagnosed as a teenager and when my older sister sought help she was one of the unlucky few met with this anticipated response. It took some time but soon it was made ever so clear through diagnosis that she did suffer too. I feel many parents only want the best for their children and as such will try to dismiss this potential reality as more 'potential' and less 'reality' for this very reason. After discussing this with my parents, they agreed. Perhaps it would be worthwhile telling your parents that with your brother's diagnosis you now feel more comfortable discussing the potentiality of your depression. Fighting for your belief alone that you have depression may not be the best goal. Fighting for your belief that you should be tested may be, as this is what could have saved my family some tension. Overall, I hope you are doing well and wish you only the best! Should anyone ever tell you, as I was told, that depression does not exist, then please understand that it is real for so many.

Depression is a very serious and debilating condition and should be addressed as soon as it has been diagnosed. Because any delay could lead to potentially dangerous conditions such as self harm or suicide. A family must be supportive of all of its members. No one should feel left out or discriminated against. If you share the problem with your parents, it allows they to work on a solution that could potentially resolve both you and your brother's illnesses. Your parents are in the best position to help both of you as they are most familiar. Hiding will not benefit anybody. I think it is best for you to share your problem with your family and be as open and honest as possible.

It never hurts to take a chance and talk with them. What we think can always be the opposite of the outcome, and depression is something people wouldn't want to dismiss, and your parents, like many others, would want the best for you, their child, and will support you in any way they can. Even if you feel that you can't open up to them yet, you can try talking to your brother and go through your journeys together. Though sitting down with your parents and telling the truth will help them step into your perspective and feel through your shoes.

Sometimes when we feel depressed we can feel like we don't deserve any attention from our loved ones. This is quite the contrary, If you feel like you do not have great mental health, it is important to reach out to people we care about. Even if others are suffering from depression, it's totally valid to reach out to help. You don't need to feel like only one person is allowed to not be mentally healthy. Your health should be your number one priority. Depression is a condition that requires just as much healing as any physical wound.

I want to start off by saying that you are never, ever, fighting less of a battle because someone you know is also struggling. We all have our own personal stories and comparing our struggles to others can be harmful; Please know how important your story is. It may be helpful to consider working your way up to speaking with your parents about this. For example, is there a school counselor or trusted teacher you could reach out to? A close friend or relative? Finding other trusted people to confide in can be good practice as well as offer you the support you need until you feel ready to open up to your parents. It can be scary not knowing how someone will react, we just need to be sure you still get the help you deserve. Similarly, if a school counselor or other trusted adult is an option for you, it may be helpful to have them mediate the conversation between you and your parents. A third-party perspective is a useful tool and they can help you and your parents communicate effectively!

I can understand what you’re going through. You already have a lot on your plate as your brother is diagnosed and now you got diagnosed but see they are your parents, they have brought you up since your childhood, supported you and what not so you should just sit down with them and explain them what you are going through. You should tell them about your symptoms and them tell that you are not doing this to seek attention but you’re also going through a rough phase. I am pretty sure they will understand if You communicate clearly with them.

first know why you are having depression. whether it is your job, loneliness, love life, stress or something. see if you can deal with it yourselves, try to hang out with friends, have a fun family time. try solving your brother's depression too. that may help yours a lot. once you feel you can't control it yourselves, decide whether you should tell them or not. think of this... will they think you are trying to get attention if you are always sad and frowny? and be frank with them. what could possibly go wrong? they're your parents!!! tell them what exactly you are going through... they'll definitely help you. if not, 7 cups is always there buddy ;)

Try talking to your brother first to see if this truly is an issue you think you will need help with. He may be able to help you a lot, as he is going through something similar. Ask him as many questions as you need. You two are both going through it together. It’s even a possibility that he’d be able to help you when you tell your parents. There’s a strong bond between siblings that should never be pushed aside. Depression can be a serious issue, it’d be reassuring to know that you guys have each other’s backs.

It's OK to talk about how you're feeling. Each of us are different and will go through things at different times in life. Your feelings matter too. Try to find a time when you can sit down with your parents at a time and place that is comfortable where neither of you will be interrupted and explain how important it is for you to be able to tell them this. Sometimes it is difficult not to naturally compare ourselves to others--especially family members closest to us--but it's important to remember that regardless of what else is going on around us, OUR feelings and struggles matter as well.