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?

Sometimes when we feel depressed we can feel like we don't deserve any attention from our loved ones. This is quite the contrary, If you feel like you do not have great mental health, it is important to reach out to people we care about. Even if others are suffering from depression, it's totally valid to reach out to help. You don't need to feel like only one person is allowed to not be mentally healthy. Your health should be your number one priority. Depression is a condition that requires just as much healing as any physical wound.

I want to start off by saying that you are never, ever, fighting less of a battle because someone you know is also struggling. We all have our own personal stories and comparing our struggles to others can be harmful; Please know how important your story is. It may be helpful to consider working your way up to speaking with your parents about this. For example, is there a school counselor or trusted teacher you could reach out to? A close friend or relative? Finding other trusted people to confide in can be good practice as well as offer you the support you need until you feel ready to open up to your parents. It can be scary not knowing how someone will react, we just need to be sure you still get the help you deserve. Similarly, if a school counselor or other trusted adult is an option for you, it may be helpful to have them mediate the conversation between you and your parents. A third-party perspective is a useful tool and they can help you and your parents communicate effectively!

I was diagnosed as a teenager and when my older sister sought help she was one of the unlucky few met with this anticipated response. It took some time but soon it was made ever so clear through diagnosis that she did suffer too. I feel many parents only want the best for their children and as such will try to dismiss this potential reality as more 'potential' and less 'reality' for this very reason. After discussing this with my parents, they agreed. Perhaps it would be worthwhile telling your parents that with your brother's diagnosis you now feel more comfortable discussing the potentiality of your depression. Fighting for your belief alone that you have depression may not be the best goal. Fighting for your belief that you should be tested may be, as this is what could have saved my family some tension. Overall, I hope you are doing well and wish you only the best! Should anyone ever tell you, as I was told, that depression does not exist, then please understand that it is real for so many.

It's OK to talk about how you're feeling. Each of us are different and will go through things at different times in life. Your feelings matter too. Try to find a time when you can sit down with your parents at a time and place that is comfortable where neither of you will be interrupted and explain how important it is for you to be able to tell them this. Sometimes it is difficult not to naturally compare ourselves to others--especially family members closest to us--but it's important to remember that regardless of what else is going on around us, OUR feelings and struggles matter as well.

I can understand what you’re going through. You already have a lot on your plate as your brother is diagnosed and now you got diagnosed but see they are your parents, they have brought you up since your childhood, supported you and what not so you should just sit down with them and explain them what you are going through. You should tell them about your symptoms and them tell that you are not doing this to seek attention but you’re also going through a rough phase. I am pretty sure they will understand if You communicate clearly with them.

first know why you are having depression. whether it is your job, loneliness, love life, stress or something. see if you can deal with it yourselves, try to hang out with friends, have a fun family time. try solving your brother's depression too. that may help yours a lot. once you feel you can't control it yourselves, decide whether you should tell them or not. think of this... will they think you are trying to get attention if you are always sad and frowny? and be frank with them. what could possibly go wrong? they're your parents!!! tell them what exactly you are going through... they'll definitely help you. if not, 7 cups is always there buddy ;)

It can be hard trying to 'prove' your mental state to others, but remember that no matter what your mental health is yours alone to decide. I would recommend talking to them about what makes you feel this way, and if you have internal or external factors that are causing your depression. If both you and your brother have it, it could be an environmental/external factor related to family/school/home. The best way to confront them about it is to make sure the topic of conversation is focused on you, and that you make sure to express your emotions as your own. Even if you are nervous, realize that getting recognized for depression is the first step to healing and recovery. No matter what happens, there are many people willing to help. I hope you that you find the answer you are looking for. Have a great day! :)

I feel like it's best for you to not hide this from your parents - afterall, if we weigh the options: telling them might (although i doubt it) make them react passively, but also might allow them to provide you with the help you need and help you access a full diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, if you keep them in the dark, they definitely would not be able to help you at all! I however understand that you might feel scared. It's absolutely normal, and I cannot hide that some parents might actually feel this way. But, if your parents actually show care fo your brother, they will definitely try and show care for you too. You and they all have to understand that mental illness is not a question of wanting attention or stealing the spotlight - it's always better to be safe than sorry. I suggest you tell them, but then again, that's completely up to you

I understand you must be very afraid that you might get misunderstood. I have actually told my parents about my mental health concerns and they didn’t take the message very well. Initially I felt hopeless as even my closest family members are doubting my struggles. However, I realised that though it’s hard for them to take in the news at first, eventually they have tried their absolute best to improve my mental health. The key is to really communicate your thoughts and feelings, let them understand that your emotions are valid. I hope this helps and feel free to talk to me if there’s any follow-ups!

I think the best thing to do is sit down with your parents and have a conversation. I think the best approach is to ask them to listen before commenting or coming to any conclusions. It might be helpful to write down some notes about what you are feeling and experiencing, and why those things make you believe you have depression. If you are able to articulate with examples, it should prevent them from thinking you are trying to garner attention. Also, you should explain to them that your brother’s diagnosis has helped you to understand that you may be dealing with some of the same issues. Good luck!