How do I tell my parents I'm depressed?
sweetgrandpa
on
Dec 18, 2019
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I think a human relationship is gradually built. It's hard for us to look at our parents as people, human beings with defects, dreams, fears and failures, so we want to dedicate 200% of their lives to us. To address depression, it is important to clearly and objectively convene and ask for help and that they accompany you to the specialist, it is important to know that you are going through a difficult phase and need the support of everyone. It is important to keep going, with small firm steps but knowing where you want to go. Each family has its own characteristics, but most parents love their children!
Bobofromnl
on
Dec 19, 2019
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I told my parents I was depressed some time ago now. I think they new something was up sometime before that. I was talking less and less and found it harder and harder to smile or laugh or you know be a happy person. So when I told them I dont think it came as a huge surprise. I also told them that i needed help and asked if theyd be open to me getting the help I so desperately needed at that moment. I was lucky as my parents took it all in their stride and have been super helpful and kind.
ForsakenFriend197
on
Dec 19, 2019
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Ease it in. Do not go straight into the details, just lay it down slowly. It will make it a lot easier for you to say it, and it will make it a lot easier for them to understand it. If you kind of spell it out slowly then your parents will be able to slowly take in what you say, and it will relieve any stress they may have. No matter what you do, try to care for yourself, and think about yourself just as much as you do your parents. If you show self care, it will make the statement all the more easier.
samantha600
on
Jan 1, 2020
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There's a lot of ways to go about it, and a lot of it depends on your parents' personalities.
For me, it was most helpful to discuss the physical symptoms I was having, because this is something that my parents would take more seriously. I mentioned that I was constantly tired even though I was sleeping many hours a night, that I was having unexplained muscle and headaches constantly, and I wanted to go to the doctor. Once I got to the doctor it was much easier for the medical professional to explain to my parents what depression is and what could be done to help me cope.
Some other methods I've heard have good results are writing a letter or email as well so they have time to process.
Anonymous
on
Jan 12, 2020
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I know how hard it can be to feel like you're ready to open up to anyone, but in my own personal experience, there will never be a perfect time. I told myself over and over again that tomorrow would be the day, and I continued pushing it back for months. It's a leap of faith. What really helped me was focusing on telling them how my depression impacted me, and why I felt it was important for me to receive help. You don't have to share anything you don't feel comfortable with. I wish you all the best going forward. Sometimes you just have to take it one step at a time.
bellarina74
on
Jan 31, 2020
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Depending on your relationship with them, just ask if you can sit down and have a discussion with them because you have some things you need guidance with. This will indicate to them that what you have to say is important and requires their full attention. Remember that not everyone is on the same timeline as you and they may not be able to listen straight away. If it really cannot wait and they really are unavailable, try and find someone you respect and trust to have the conversation with. Be patient and the right path will present itself when you least expect it.
Zaralushlife
on
Mar 1, 2020
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Telling your parents that you're depressed isn't easy. It's something that you need to talk to them about seriously. When you all have the time one night maybe sit down with them and make sure the phones are off and they're paying attention to you. Then you can tell them that you haven't been feeling yourself lately, that you're not okay, and that you need help. Tell them how you've been feeling and that you have been struggling. If they brush it off, just keep trying until you seem to get through to them that you're really not okay.
WeightlessAgain22
on
Mar 25, 2020
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Be straight forward. Maybe tell them that you've been feeling down lately and that you are worried about your health. If you have the feeling they wont accept it.. back then when I told my mom I wrote her a letter, explaining how I was feeling in detail , hoping for the best. She took it very lightly, if not too lighty. We have never talked about this since then but oh well, at least she knows. Don't expect your parents to immediately know how to react and handle you. Maybe you could ask them for some suggestions and help. You got this! :)
blissheart00
on
Mar 28, 2020
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If you're concerned about them reacting in a negative way, it can be helpful to broach up the issue or topic of depression from a neutral perspective to get their thoughts on it. If you assess that they are positive/understanding about the topic, you could try slowly opening up to them over time about how you feel or what you're going through. Go at a pace you're comfortable with would be what I would encourage. It's perhaps also important to explain how it's affecting you, what kind of assistance you need and what you expect from them because sometimes parents can also feel confused about what to feel about the situation and giving them some clarity and time to acclimatize themselves to the situation might make them more understanding about the topic in the long term.
Anonymous
on
Apr 4, 2020
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opening up to your parents about mental health can be very hard. some things to remember is that parents want to understand you and will love you unconditionally no matter what. most of all they want to help you get to a place where you are happy, even though it might not seem like it. if you feel ready to talk to your parents but are unsure if how to bring it up try to find day where both your parent and you are relaxed. as your parent if they have time to talk, if your too nervous you can write them a note or even text them. once you get the ball rolling it will become much easier. talking to someone might help you express your feelings and feel better even, good luck!
AlissaRose
on
Apr 22, 2020
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Hello. You are very courageous that you want to share your depression with your family. It is very brave, and most people never are able to do it. However, it is crucial to have a robust support system. Multiple studies have shown that family and social support plays an important role in treatment outcome. I have a hunch that since you are confident that your family will support you have a trusting relationship; therefore, you know the best way to talk to them. If you are interested, you can practice here, and we can support you and listen. People usually gain confidence when they practice with the therapist or peers.
Anonymous
on
Apr 30, 2020
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Let them know that you have been feeling really down recently, and maybe mention some of your symptoms. Take it slow, it may take a few conversations and it can be a little bit scary on both sides.
Sometimes it will be hard to hear on your parents behalf as no one wants their child to be depressed, but even if they don't fully understand or accept it at first. When they see how it is affecting you and see the signs now they know what they are looking at they will start to understand.
Just take it as slow or as fast as you need and listeners are always here to support you if you need to chat afterwards
BrofessorPsychNerd
on
May 8, 2020
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I have been in this situation before, and I understand your struggle. There is no one right way to go about this. The best thing to do is approach your parents in a way that you know they’d be receptive to. Can you think of another time you’ve had a serious conversation with them that went well? Using similar techniques may help you. You are very brave for taking this step. No matter how you choose to go about it, the fact that you’re doing it shows that you are brave and capable of handling tough situations. Good luck!
Anonymous
on
May 15, 2020
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Tell them how it feels to be depressed, how dark and cold it it. And how much you want to feel warm again. You can tell them that everything is dark and you can't figure out how to make it better. Tell them you know you love them and you know they love you, but you can't feel anything but sorrow. Ask them to help you find your way back home with them. Tell them how hard it was to open up about this because you know they gave you everything they can and you don't want to be ungrateful, you just want to feel better.
Anonymous
on
Jun 18, 2020
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Honestly, there is no correct way to go up to your parents and tell them that you are depressed, but it is important to communicate with them if you need support, love, and help. Parents do not always understand why their child is depressed and sometimes would rather tell their child that they are not depressed. Do not worry nor stress, they are struggling to know or understand how this happened. Once your voice is heard and you let them know, whether you write a letter, send a text, tell them face to face, or however you want to express it, they will listen. Your parents will hear you.
Anonymous
on
Jun 20, 2020
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This can be a difficult thing to do, especially if you’re afraid your parents won’t validate your feelings. The best thing you can do is let your parents know how you feel in others words than just saying “I’m depressedâ€, let them know that you feel tired, sad, frustrated etc. and you feel like you don’t have control over it. Some may be afraid that their parents won’t understand and why explaining these feelings in detail may help your parent understand. If you are not close with your parent this could be extremely difficult but my biggest advice is to take a deep breath and try not to over think the situation.
Anonymous
on
Jul 15, 2020
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Telling your parents you are depressed can be a hard and challenging thing to do. Though, it takes strength to express wanting to tell your parents, which is something to be proud of. Telling your parents may be hard, so, it may be best if you let them know you have something serious to talk about. Taking them to a private space to be able to discuss your current mental health would be a great start. You can always come to 7 cups after speaking to your parents, and speak to a listener on how you feel the conversation with your parents went.
peacefulPraval
on
Jul 24, 2020
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Telling your parents you're depressed in one of the most important steps to take during this stage. The first thing you should know is that your parents will always love you, but they may not understand the concept of depression because he or she may not have experienced it themself. The first step is to sit your parents down and tell them how your feeling and how it has been affecting you on a daily basis. This will slowly lead to them asking how they can help, and you can suggest them to a therapist, etc. If your parents don't understand then your next best option is to talk to another trusted adult who your parents are close with.
Anonymous
on
Jul 25, 2020
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I am not one to give advice as I don't have depression, but I have told my parents about my anxiety. Try explaining it to them, telling them how you feel during depressed times. Explaining to them when it started and how they could maybe help. It is best if they understand what you are going through before they decide to help. I am not an expert, so I don't know how your parents could possibly react. But just remember that there are people who understand you everywhere around the world. But yes, explaining it to them seems like the best option.
naturalSong6926
on
Jul 25, 2020
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Talking out with your parents about your depression would be a good idea. They are your immediate help and a important support support system. Your parents would be able to give you emotional support and help you deal or reduce the symptoms of depression. Communication is also important rather than keeping to yourself and not looking to reach out to get help. You would not only worsen your depressive state but it may progress to chronic illness, which you don't want. Your parents will help you find a way to improve your symptoms and how to deal with your illness
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