How can I tell my parents that I think I'm depressed?

You can tell your parents that you have been feeling more sad and you have lost interest in what your hobbies are. But only tell them this if it is the truth, you shouldn't lie to your parents about feeling this way. You should ask them to take you to the doctor and you should start talking to a therapist. Even if you feel uncomfortable talking about this to your parents or anyone else, you should keep in mind that you might end up feeling better and feeling happy is better than being depressed. So talk to your parents about how your feeling, go to the doctor so they can help you and talk to a therapist or trusted adult.

As a parent I can assure you that your parents would very much want to know if you are experiencing depression. They will be MUCH more stressed if you don’t tell them, and they find out later. Think….if you were a parent, would you want your child to tell you if he or she was sad? As you already know, at least 50% of clinical depression is genetic. It has nothing to do with lack of willpower. Also, as in my case depression can be caused from an insult to the brain (TBI). All efforts to control your anxiety/depression should be initiated by medical personnel. Too, a great majority of the time if you have anxiety, you also have depression. The number one health problem in the world today is stress; consequently, all steps should be taken to control it.

You could try to start with sitting them down on the couch and explaining why you think you're depressed. Be prepared with research and symptoms that you can relate with. If they have more questions than you do not have the answers to at the moment, tell them that you will get back with them when you can or tell them to look up their questions for more insight on the symptoms of depression. Make sure that they are in a good mood before you start the conversation, it will impact the result positively if you do. Hope this helps!

Make them understand what you have been feeling, don't hold anything back. I know most parents think of depression as a first world problem but the truth is it can happen to anyone anytime. Make your parents sit down, talk about whatever you have been facing and feeling and how it might be affecting your productivity or your performance at school or work. Then tell them why you think you are depressed. Just don't go saying, "Hey mom and dad, I am depressed". Probably, they won't take you seriously and might yell at you or make fun of you or just say that it a mere phase and happens to everyone. If you think you do not have the guts to face them, maybe try sending a whatsapp message or an email. Last of all, if your parents still do not understand, try contacting someone you trust like school counsellor, your friendly teacher or maybe an older friend.

Just tell them! I understand there may be a generational gap sometimes and they may be a bit shocked or surprised at first or prefer if you were "more positive and bore it", but if they really really care for you and love you they will get over any previous assumptions they have on mental illness and try their best to listen to you and help you. It may not be smooth sailing but they will be willing to try and learn. Also be totally honest with the details because that's the only way that they will be able to understand your point of view first and foremost!

Telling our closest people might be sometimes much more difficult then telling a stranger, cause it makes us more vulnerable. I am sure your parents love you and want what's the best for you and you also want them to be near if you're thinking about sharing your struggles with them. It's always best to have an open and honest conversations, but it's also very difficult. You can try telling them in different ways- write them a letter where you explain how you feel, watch a movie about mental health and then start a discussion... there are many option, just choose which one suits you the most and always remember, that it's your parents and you can share with them not only your good times, but also your struggles. good luck :)

Before saying anything at all, you must know that it's going to be hard to convey these feelings no matter how much you practice or prepare. There's many options you may go for, but taking the direct, no beating around the bush approach may be the best choice, as it leaves little space for guesses and (usually wrong) assumptions. It's important to remember that they might not process this right away, or might even be left in denial, so sitting down with them and telling them exactly how you feel, for how long, why, etc. is sure to help clarify the situation. Best of luck!

This is very important, you need all the support and help you can get, since they are your parents, don't be afraid to let them know about your depression, you can try invite them to discuss about this matter, how you feel, how's it's affecting you and the reasons that are causing your depression and how you'd like to be helped, know that you have the right to receive help and support, your parents should be the first people you can count on. There is no perfect timing to bring this up since depression is an urgent matter, you can also help them understand about this condition by sending them an article about depression. If you're hesitant to tell them upfront, you can try by email if that's going to make you feel at ease but whichever way you choose, it's important to let them know at least. I hope this helps.

Your parents will know something is wrong. You might not think this is true but it is! When I was going through depression my mom would ask if something was wrong. I would deny it at first but then when I felt it was debilitating my life I had to say something. You will feel more comfortable with one parent more than the other. Once you start expressing how you feel, or even your demeanor right away they will know. Also, if you are having eating problems either eating too much or little they will see that as a problem. Little hints they will see and will keep asking questions.

It can be difficult to open up to anyone, not just your family on how you’re feeling. Depression is unfortunately a silent killer amongst us all. For some people it comes and goes, and for others it’s a life-long battle that leads to taking medication, seeing a therapist or in less happy ways death. The BEST advise I could give anyone who is feeling depressed, is to tell SOMEONE. Even if it’s your 70 year old neighbor across the street, a stranger on the subway. If you don’t feel comfortable/ready to address this with your family, that is 100% okay. Your mental, physical, and emotional health is important and you don’t want to comprise it because you’re under more stress and emotion when you disclose this with your family. From personal experience; I use to write down my feeling in a diary. It’s old-school, but years went by and I read through it and it was incredibly shocking to see my struggles and how I overcame them or how minuscule they really were. It’s not for everyone, but as long as you can either find a person to talk to about this or something that you know hands down, without a doubt cheers you up - do it. It’ll help relieve the mind of thinking of what’s bothering you for the time being. Doesn’t mean you won’t be depressed anymore, but it could potentially solve the underlying issue or keep you from making any irrational decisions. I wish you the best, you’re always welcome on 7Cups, we’re here for you.