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?

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.

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.