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?

it is understandable that you may not want to drop that news on your parents because of what is happening with your brother. while your parents may seem overwhelmed its best to put what is necessary for us to do and if you need to speak to someone you may want to despite what is happening because the sooner you speak to someone and get help the better. it may be overwhelming on your family at first but your parents also want what is best for you and what is going to keep you healthy and they will want to be there for you

I think you should consider sitting your parent down and having a serious conversation. Also, you should reiterate that you are feeling depressed and It has nothing to do with your brother. Your parent will think you may do telling them you are depressed because you want attention. However, if you explain it to them, describe your symptom, provide examples of situation where your depressed, they will be more incline to believe you. I understand how this is hard because you are trying to convince them that you have depression even thought they are your parents and they should believe you. However, I believe having a serious conversation is the best way to tell your parent.

Instead of just telling them you think you have depression, just have a chat with them. Chat about what’s bothering you and what’s hurting. If you talk to them about these things then they will understand and realize that your not in it for attention. Say things that are going on in your life that may be leading up to depression. And maybe talk to your brother about what he thinks caused his depression and see if your going threw those same things, or if maybe you have bigger problems. By talking to him then maybe you will find your problems are just as bad but different

Depression often runs in families. How is your relationship with your parents currently? I could see them being supportive in helping you get a diagnosis if they have been supportive of your brother. If they have not been, you may want to consider seeing a licensed therapist using an online or telehealth service. Depression can be very deceptive and bring up feelings of self-deprecation and a sense of low self-worth. If you feel that you are struggling, that is enough of a reason to ask for help. You ARE trying to get attention, and that is not a bad thing. You need people to attend to your concerns in order to help you gain further insight on this issue.

This is a really hard thing and I am super sorry that you are going through this. One thing to remember is Depression often runs in families so its not uncommon for multiple family members to have depression. Along with this though every one depression is different and can present differently. I would try have an open and honest discussion with your parents about how you are feeling and how this effects you. You may find as well you and your brother can support each other as you both know on some level how depression feels. I hope this helps x

If you can seek diagnosis on your own, do so. After getting the result, show it to your parents. It will not be their word against yours, but against a professional. This will help avoid feelings of taking your parent's doubt personally, since you already have the professional diagnosis to back you up. In the off chance that that professional doesn't diagnose you with depression, you can seek second opinion, or just know that regardless of "severity," everyone can get some form of help. The problem with diagnoses is that they often segregate people into neat black-and-white boxes: those who need help so bad, and those who don't need it enough--with the latter people being neglected to the point of them eventually progressing into the former. Our main problem with mental health isn't scarcity of services but of access; there's no need to label people as having priority "serious cases" and "just needs to adjust". We need specialists, sure, but not rejection, not prioritization (resource and access already does that), and not ableism. So again, try to get that diagnosis if you can. If you don't get it, know that you still deserve help anyway, and no good psychological service will refuse you. If you're a minor, it sucks but don't give up yet. Save up because one day you can send yourself professional help without your parents. I'm not saying this to be optimistic, I'm saying this because I've experienced life passing me by, only to regretfully look back at the times I could've made it better. Even +1 point better a day is +365 points better a year. Take baby steps. Take breaks. Take it one day at a time.

Hey there! Your health is equally as important as your brother, I know that this can seem like a hard time to tell your parents, but it sounds like it might be in your favor. Your parents will understand, and they will be very helpful in getting you the meds & help needed. If you don’t feel like telling your parents during this tough time, all of us listeners on 7cups will be more than glad to talk to you about it! I can’t tell you the right or wrong thing to do in this situation, but I would suggest doing what you think is best. Remember, you are loved and this will turn out okay!!

It is completely understandable that you would feel this way and maybe they wouldn't feel this way. It never hurts to try. But if they do feel this way if you tell them, maybe you should try reaching out to some friends or other trusted adults. I've been in this same position but I reached out to a trusted adult and got the help I needed; there will always be someone there for you even if you don't believe it. It never hurts to try so tell your parents how you feel, maybe talk to your brother and see if he can tell you how you can feel better:)

First off its not attention you are seeking, that is just your mind making that up. We don't choose when to get depressed so your brother getting diagnosed should push you away from seeking help. A parents goal is the best for their kids and I know they would appreciate you seeking their help. Keeping to yourself might make things not better at all for you. Don't allow yourself to get into your head to much. The Comfort in sadness is good but just leads to self destruction. Your brother might have a better understanding on what it feels like to have depression. So if you feel like you are doubting yourself way too much you can ask him what he was going through.

I’m so sorry to hear you’re experiencing this. Sometimes it is hard for parents to hear that their children are having a hard time. It is easier said than done, but perhaps what would be best for you is to speak openly and honestly with your parents and tell them how you feel; but without needing to justify that you are not looking for attention because of your brothers recent diagnosis. Would having a conversation with your brother be something to think about? Perhaps he could offer advice on how to approach your parents.