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?

Speaking to your parents, or speaking to anyone in fact about mental illness can be extremely difficult. You're so so brave for even thinking about telling them! It's important to remember that you need to do what will be best for you; if you think telling them will be beneficial then their support may help you recover. Have yout ried talking to your brother? Perhaps talking to him might make you feel more at ease about it. Whatever happens, if you're feeling low and you don't feel like you have anyone to turn to, we're always here. Remember to smile :)

Firstly, feeling like you're depressed, does not mean you're looking for attention. Secondly, it is important to address how you're feeling, exactly like it was important for your brother to be diagnosed. Diagnosis and a plan to heal, as per a professional, is the quickest and best way to deal with this. And lastly, they're your parents. They will want to support you just like they support your brother. Please let them know. And if you are hesitating, call up nationwide hotlines and talk to someone before you feel comfortable opening up to them. I hope you get the help and support you need. Take care of yourself.

People with depression often have an exaggerated sense of responsibility for those around them and sometimes feel like they are to blame, so it might be part of the depression that is making you thing like this. Often people find they think in ways that are challenging or difficult like this meaning they find it hard to get the help they need. What makes you feel like they would react like this?

You should never hold back if you're having a real problem. Tell them you're being serious. Please don't keep it to yourself. XOXO, sara

just tell them the truth. Tell them how you feel. If you genuinely have depression, there are certain signs that cant be faked

Depression is sometimes a genetic/hereditary condition. It's often the case that many family members have diagnoses. It's important to talk to your parents about feeling depressed and go to the doctor, even if you think they'll see it as attention-seeking behaviour.

Depression often runs in families. Tell them. If they supported your brother, they should also support you. Try to find a time when you're not emotionally heightened and you're calm enough to explain yourself clearly.

Approach them in a manner to where they will know that you are being serious.. If you can explain to them why you feel like you have depression I'm pretty sure that they will be understanding and want the best for you. If not then the best thing for you to do is to try and find somebody who could refer you to a doctor//psychiatrist. This could be one of your superiors at college//school.. I wish you all the best!!:)..

Try to come up with a list as to why you suspect you have depression; maybe write them down if it helps, or type it out. Find a good time to talk to your parents and ask that they listen to you with an open heart and mind, before telling them. Good luck!

If you want to tell them, go for it. They'll probably understand, seeing as your brother got diagnosed. You can even tell them that when he got diagnosed it made you realize that you think you might have depression too. You could also tell them something like "I was nervous to tell you because you might think I was just doing it for attention" Your parents will probably support you. Good luck!

First, what you feel is completely valid and it is great that you are considering telling your parents. It is a great step in the right direction; it is always best to get help when you are feeling depressed.

You deserve the attention and help that you need and desire. Don't hold yourself back from receiving what you're searching for. It take strength to reach out, I admire you for wanting to seek help.

Well, if you think that you do, tell them. The worst that will happen is they will think you want attention, but if you do have it it is much better to be diagnosed sooner rather than later.

Go to someone that you trust and that you think will listen to you. If your brother got diagnosed means that it might run in the family. No one with depression is looking for attention

I think honesty is the best policy because it is better to inform of your family about what is bothering you than let it be bottled up. Perhaps telling them will open an opportunity for you to get professional help in terms of managing depression better.

Hello your parents wouldn't think that at all. I cannot advice you as I am a listener and not qualified but do what you think is right

I would talk to your brother, and maybe you can find some answers with him. You can approach your parents with your brother, and I'm sure they'll understand then. Just remember the important thing is that you get the help you need.

Mental health is a priority that should not be overlooked, if you think you have depression the first thing you should do is consult a professional, maybe your brother's diagnosis has some influence, do not hide your emotional state, do not repress it, consult with your parents in a quite way, they are your family and communication is very important.

Try to start by assuring your parents that you understand if it seems attention-seeking of you to bring up the topic. Promise them that you're not lying. Start at the beginning - explain your feelings as much as possible. Suggest that you may need to be diagnosed as well. Try to make them comfortable with the topic.

If you think you have depression it is important to talk to someone about it. If you feel uncomfortable talking to your parents about this issue you can talk to a therapist, there is one here at 7 cups.

If you feel comfortable enough, talk to them about it, make it clear that this is a concern of yours and that it isn’t the case. If you feel they won’t consider this then try to seek help from (if available) a school councillor or a doctor, who will keep it confidential and can diagnose you without your parents. This is dependant on how old you are but usually your parents do not need to be involved unless you are at risk.

tell it and explain it slowly to them, trying to confront it. explain that you have depression. u can do it

You shouldn’t be afraid to tell them, they are your parents so hopefully they will understand. It is important they know how you feel and if you tell them why you think you have depression here is a better chance they believe you. I wish you luck 😊❤️

You could try talking to your brother first if it helps. Sometimes opening up to your parents can be hard, but even writing a simple letter and physically wording out moments that you thought you could see depression in and why you aren't trying to gain attention is good. I'm sure that they wouldn't think any less of you or jump to conclusions, especially considering that one of their other children was just diagnosed. Take your time; this is all under your control and you can manipulate the situation as you want. Best of luck!

Find support with your brother to help confront your parents with the issue. Having your brother there beside you will give you the strength to talk about it openly and freely. Exchanging the similar events that the two of you share will help both of you in overcoming and become mentally healthy again.

well you are doing the right thing especially if think they are going to feel a certain type of way about this situation

Be honest about how you feel. Get documentation from a clinician to back yourself up, though - proof is always best.

Okay, first of all, its good that you're at least trying to seek help here instead of being scared and keeping quiet, thats really brave of you and I see the intentions of wanting to get better which is important. Since you think it's hard to open up to your parents, I'd suggest an easier way is to go to the school counsellors, they're there to help you and to listen to the things you have no one to talk to. And from there they'll decide if you need regular counselling session with them or is it really severe that they will have to inform your parents so you can immediately seek help, etc. Don't worry about other things, they are designed to help you so feel free to pour out all your problems to them, and they will tell you what to do. Going to school counsellor is what I can think of right now as the easiest way and cost free. Also after all you're just assuming that your parents might think you're just trying to get attention, sometimes maybe they're not what you think they are and things can be solved easily if you talk it out you know! Communication is the key :) either you find the school counsellors or be open with you parents your feelings, just don't DON'T ever keep it to yourself, talk it out, you can do it! Hugs.

i would just try talking to them and explain your concerns with feeling its for attention. And possibly say that his diagnosis made you realize that you have a lot of things in common with his depressive thoughts

You tell them about how you are feeling and also that you were scared telling them because of your brother. Depression can be genetic and the earlier you try to do something about it, finding coping skills etc, the better. Don't be scared telling them, you have to do what's best for you.