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How do I tell my parents I'm depressed?

Profile: Helpisonthewayxo
Helpisonthewayxo on Mar 4, 2016
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Speaking out about depression can sometimes be quite a hard action. Sit down quietly with them, explain that times have been tough and you're feeling low. If it doesn't click, you need to explain softly about your depression. Help is always avaloble.
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Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Mar 6, 2016
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Sit them down. Have an actual, real conversation with them about how you're feeling and let them know that you aren't in any harms way, but just feeling depressed. Tell them you're going to do something about it (like see a counselor maybe) so they don't get all up in your face about seeing a doctor. They love you and they'll be supportive.
Profile: printedonthewall
printedonthewall on Oct 28, 2016
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Try sitting them down at a time they're both very calm and happy. Make sure to tell them this situation is serious and explain some feelings you've had over time. Youll be scared of course, but that is completely normal. Your parents should sympathise with you, and offer to schedule you with a therapist or even see a doctor for medication.
Profile: ImyourFriend18
ImyourFriend18 on Mar 22, 2017
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It's always hard to tell someone close about your problems, especially depression. I suggest to sit down with your parents. Try to explain it's a serious issue and tell them exactly how do you feel. Maybe if you'd make a tea or coffee for them before, it'll be more comfortable. Good luck.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 4, 2018
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The best way to tell your parents is to explain to them that you've been depressed and down lately and you're worried about it. Tell your parents also why you're depressed (if that's possible). Or arrange an appointment with a professional to determine what causes your depression.
Profile: Sweetiepiejessie
Sweetiepiejessie on Feb 20, 2016
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Sit them down and talk to them about how you feel. They will understand and be there for you. Parents Are there for you no matter what.
Profile: Lizzenah1
Lizzenah1 on Nov 17, 2016
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The best way to approach an issue especially one such as depression is head on. Sit them down tell them straight and talk about the next step.
Profile: Izzy274
Izzy274 on Apr 2, 2021
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Opening up to people close to you can be really difficult, and just being on 7 cups and reaching out on here is an amazing first step to take! There are lots of different ways to open up to people, and different things work better for different people, but here are a few ideas that have worked for me in the past you could possibly think about: - Letting them know you need to talk and arranging a time & place - Planning out what to say beforehand and thinking about the sort of questions they may have - Bringing it up at a normal conversational time, such as a mealtime or family time. - Speaking 1-on-1 with someone you trust first and asking them to be with you when you open up. - Writing them a message/ email beforehand to let them know some brief details of how you're feeling but also how you felt about telling them, and let them come to you to talk about it. There are so many options to consider though, and I'm sure there are plenty more ideas spread across the forum to consider. Opening up to parents is always going to be really difficult, but It's so great that you're taking this step and I hope it works out for you :)
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Feb 17, 2016
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If you tell your parents then be ready for what they say because sometimes parents dont understand other time they do and maybe say you want to see a doctor or therapist.
Profile: shvrry
shvrry on Feb 18, 2016
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Try approaching them about how you feel or sit down and have a talk with them about depression. Open up to them and tell them what's wrong. Tell them that you need someone.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Feb 20, 2016
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Calmly sit down with them and explain how you are feeling. I know its hard so take your time and try to stay calm. Your parents love you and want the best for you, if you feel confident enough maybe ask them if they could help you with getting some further help or if they could listen if you are not feeling okay
Profile: summertheseason
summertheseason on Feb 28, 2016
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Telling your parents you're depressed can be hard. I recommend doing it at a time when they can give you their complete attention. Not when they are stressed from work, busy cleaning, or doing something else. Try mentioning to them that you've been feeling a little off recently, and would like to talk to them about it, Be ready to explain, in detail, how you have been feeling. It's okay if you aren't sure why you're feeling that way, but chances are, they are asking so they can understand. Typically, parents will be worried about you and not upset. Stay strong. & good luck,
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 19, 2016
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Tell your parents that you need them to fully listen to what you have got to say and explain to them how you have been feeling for however long it may have been. Tell them you would like their support and love. then you can tell them your problem.
Profile: saintmccallister
saintmccallister on May 18, 2018
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You tell them on your own time, number one. Number two, you let them know that you're coming to them because you want them to be apart of your life-- no more isolation.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 17, 2019
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It depends on what type of people your parents are. Some people are good listeners others tend to give order much more than to listen to their children. If your parents who listen to you, tell them directly. If not, try to advertise the idea to them. For example, give them magazines, books etc that talk about depression. Also you can ask them to watch TV shows or any other TV programmes about depression. If that is not working for you, don't worry there are many other ways to inform them such as, telling your teachers to inform your parents or your GP doctor. If you cannot see your doctor alone, tell your parents that you need to see a doctor or when you go with your parents to see a doctor for any reason,, tell the doctor about your depression and to tell your parents about it and what they should do. Also, you can write a letter for them or sending them some messages to explain that you have depression. Don't feel bad if they don't listen to you, it means nothing. People trust different people in different things. For instance, some people trust doctors, some people trust relatives, some people trust close friends, some people trust religious people etc. If you know who they trust and who does understand about depression, you can ask that person to inform your parents. May happiness be your best friend 😘💞💞💕💕💕💕
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 15, 2020
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i dont have a specific answer for that, all parents are different and they all react in different ways. if you dont feel like talking eye to eye, write a letter and give it to them, or text them. express yur feelings, tell them how you really feel, your feelings matter, if you dont feel like they are supporting you, you can always reach for help, there are many wonderful people here who can help you. you are enough and it will go well, everyone believes in you, thank you for having the courage to ask this question, that was very brave of you!
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 3, 2021
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Have an open conversation with them, explaining how you feel, the sadness, the lack of motivation, emptiness, the lost of pleasure in activities you used to like. Tell them it's a disease like a physical one, that chances the pathways and chemistry of your brain so you can't think positively or feel better by your own. I think that you should be really honest with them so they can understand you, they sure want the best for you and will listen. You are very brave in willing to tell your parents and get the help you need and sure you will express what you feel the best as you can.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 4, 2021
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If conversations feel awkward, writing things down on a piece of paper and posting them in an envelope can take away some anxiety from this. Take your time and don't rush the process, ensure aswell that your parents are in a good frame of mind first if possible. Remember, our parents are also human aswell so if you feel uncomfortable sharing things with them or difficulties, there are other resources available for you to get support. These include school counselors, friends, teachers, even here on 7cups! Think carefully before sharing your depression with your parents but if you feel it would be beneficial for you then absolutely go for it
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 15, 2021
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You have to go to your parents then tell that mom/dad I'm not feeling good nowadays. Tell them what is bothering you. You have to be clear and confident. Or just think like what would you suggest to your friend if he was in this situation. Open your heart to your parents they are here to support you. I know you will be feeling a bit scared of telling to your parents. But depression is not something to be kept secret. It is just a mental state when we don't like anything, don't enjoy anything, just like to be alone. What you all need is an uplift that will encourage you.I hope your parents will listen to you but if they don't listen you need to talk to your friends, teachers or relatives. So that they can support you and also convince your parents to listen to you. Because you should be listened to. Again go and tell them, they will understand.
Profile: Siciturastra
Siciturastra on May 7, 2021
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There is no easy way to tell your parents. You just need to tell them. As a objective observer, if you really feel like “you want to kill yourself” then you are depressed. There is no 90%/10% about it. You need help to cope with what you are going through. Don’t worry, many people experience it at some time in their lives. It isn’t anything to be worried about. The only thing to be careful of is some of the medications that they can give you like Paxil have side effects that include “thoughts of suicide”. Not sure how that is supposed to help, and not even sure how they can sell a drug to prevent suicide that has a side effect of “overwhelming thoughts or actions of suicide”. I know because my best friend was depressed back in November 8, 2011 and sought treatment by December 2011 and by January 29, 2012 ended up committing suicide thanks to the medication he was on. He didn’t tell anyone that the insomnia was getting worse so he quit his meds and when you quit those medications all at once it has the effect of causing those thoughts of suicide to be so strong most people can’t resist them. How do I know? Because in November 1997, I sought treatment for mild depression and took the prescribed meds for 30 days and the side effects were horrible. Thankfully, I was also working through my issues with the help of a medical professional and I was able to share the side effects and have them step down my dose and get off the meds. Ultimately, a few months later in March 1998 I would meet my wife having worked hard on the root cause of my depression and I was able to emerge from it all better for the experience. That was almost 20 years ago and I have thankfully never experienced that since, but it was because I had the right professional help that helped me restore the right work/life balance and eliminate the cause of my depression. Telling your parents is only the first step, you have to keep them informed on how it is going and you have to seek the help of a trained medical professional to help you sort out what is causing the depression in the first place. I hope this all helps. You are not alone. Millions of people suffer with the same issues that you have. Thanks for asking the question. Your parents love you and there is no good way to tell them, just walk into their room as soon as you can and say “Mom, Dad, I have something that I need to share with you. I have been depressed for some time now and I am not sure what I should do about it. I need your help. I think I may need to see a doctor about it and maybe work through my issues with the help of someone. Can you help me?” They are your parents, and they love you. They will be grateful you did.
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