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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?

Profile: JovialOceanNymph
JovialOceanNymph on Aug 13, 2020
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I understand your fear but your feelings are valid too. It may seem very scary now with your brother in the same situation as you are. You should listen to yourself because I can't hope to know what you are expriencing right now so I cannot give advice. I hope from the bottom of your heart you find the solution you are seeking and are able to find a good solution with our help. We are here to help you and will gladly listen to you and are glad to listen to you so you may understand yourself more and get to know your situation and maybe find a solution with pur help.
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Profile: blossomjessie
blossomjessie on Aug 22, 2020
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You are the expert on you. I cannot give advice but I can listen to your perspective and together we can work on a good solution for you to take. It sounds like you’re saying that you're really struggling with depression, but you’re also experiencing some fear of having your intentions misunderstood by your parents. I do want to congratulate you though for being in tune enough with yourself to be able to identify mental illness and negative emotional experiences that you’re facing. Not many people can identify in the moment, their own experience with mental illness. Depression is much more common than most realize.
Profile: danidani7
danidani7 on Sep 3, 2020
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Never, never hide your feelings, especially depression, just because of what others might think. You can say that seeing your brother get diagnosed opened your eyes and you realized something about yourself. You want help. They can't deny you that. If your brother just got diagnosed with depression, your parents must know how serious of a thing it is, and if there is a chance that you have it too, why would they not help you? If things go the other way around, try to make them understand that you aren't looking for attention . Best of luck .
Profile: blueskysmile777
blueskysmile777 on Sep 11, 2020
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First of all, I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling depressed. Second, depression is a very serious, debilitating disorder and you must seek help from a medical professional. Third, remember that this is not your fault and you are certainly not alone. Many suffer from bouts of depression and it is vital to reach out to people for support. And fourth, in regard to your worry of telling your parents, you absolutely must. You are their child and they love you and if you are feeling unwell, they should know. Maybe sit them both down, or even just one of your parents alone to begin with, and explain how you're feeling. If you are too nervous to talk to them, maybe write it down in a letter and hand it to them so you can say what you want to say without being interrupted or overwhelmed. I know it must be really difficult to do, but your mental health is so important and you deserve to feel well again and get the treatment you need. Once again, I am so sorry that you are struggling with this issue. I must add, if either of your parents make you feel as though you are just seeking attention, please do not listen. Your feelings are valid and important and you deserve to have them acknowledged. Thinking of you during this time.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 20, 2020
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My younger sister had the same feeling when it came to telling my parents about her anxiety. I had already been diagnosed and she was worried about how our parents would react, they had been understand with mine but she was worried that they would think that she was trying to get attention. She told them that she wanted to tell them, she felt like she could tell them, because of how well they had taken the news of my own anxiety. I think that really helped, and she had me as a support too. Open communication really helped in the conversation my sister had.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 23, 2020
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Dont think too much and just talk to them. I am sure they will understand. Afterall they are your parents. Dont let overthink get to you. Talking can do wonders i feel. Or you could also talk to someone with whom uou feel comfortable. I knw only talking is the cure for depression but letting your thoughts out will help. I understand that its easier said than done but uou have try atleast for your own good. You know your situation better than anyone else so what i feel is we can only suggest the final decision is upto you. I wish you all the luck and have a great life ahead. I know that you will fight and win!
Profile: Ribz
Ribz on Sep 25, 2020
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all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boyall work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy all work and no play makes jack a dull boy
Profile: nostigmas333
nostigmas333 on Sep 26, 2020
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First, I'm glad you're speaking up about your own experience. This may in fact be a great time to open up. You'll be able to gauge the level of support your parents are capable of, so you can have healthy expectations. Also, you won't have to feel alone in it because your brother is in the same boat. This might just be the catalyst for some real talk! It gives you the opportunity to learn about family history and possible hereditary conditions. Trust your gut, if you feel like you may be depressed then advocate for yourself. Then, just take everything just one step at a time.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 27, 2020
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Some time ago I went through a similar experience. Due to some things going on at home I was feeling so many emotions. I felt depressed among others but I just couldn't tell anyone cause I thought they were already going through other things and so would think I was just seeking attention or just faking it. But you should never just assume you .If you haven't tried you don't try to guess others reactions because these said actions and reaction are relative and dynamic. They are your parents and always remember that no matter what they would always want you to be safe and happy. So don't assume they'd think of you as an attention seeker. Talk about it... Don't leave all the emotions to build up maybe it's even something else. Always try... Don't act due to others reactions... Or hurt yourself to please others and act OK... Sometimes you have to reflect your insides outside so you can be properly assisted
Profile: MaxSkyFan
MaxSkyFan on Oct 1, 2020
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Sounds like you are worried that your feelings will overshadow what happened to your brother. That by stating what you are feeling is going to be seen in a bad light. Because when you brother is going through his diagnose of being with depression you are in fact trying to use to this for attention with your parents, when you are really feeling under the weather with your own depression that has you outgunned and you don't believe your parents will understand or believe that you are being serious and this is all one big ploy for attention on your part.
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