HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Talking About It

Support Forums
>
Depression
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/6/2007 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
I've been experiencing signs of depression for over two years now. I've never outrightly told anyone that I think I'm sick. I've always kept a facade to maintain an image I can't afford to let go of. But now I'm getting tired of feeling this way. I go in and out of month long phases where I can't sleep, I can't focus, I get irritated, I feel helpless and hopeless, and I'm just sick of being me. I get upset easily and I try to stay concentrated on my life but I drift from wanting to succeed to wanting to shut myself off from the world constantly. For over nine months I was a self-injurer and managed to keep it from the world, but now I want people to know. After all the time of trying to hide it, I want to just let it out. I want them to know that I'm not okay, I'm not stable, and I want help. The one thing standing in my way is I still live at home. My problem is facing my parents about this problem. I don't like getting emotional around my parents, and I'm afraid to tell them. I don't know how they'll react and I'm scared they won't believe me. I'm afriad that I'll scare them and I'll hurt them. I don't want them to feel like bad parents, and I don't want them to blame themselves. I need advice in how to tell them in a way that won't make me hate myself for putting this burden on them.

--Illogical_Logic
Posted 4/6/2007 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi illogical_logic,

I know it is hard to confront your parents about any of your problems. I had a hard time too. Parents are parents and they will always understand, even if it takes a few tries. first of all, tell them or one of them that you want to talk to them about something. It worked for me, but I went to my mom first so that it would be easier. Then, I pretty much spilled with my emotions and how I've been feeling. Once you start, you just find your flow and it all comes out. There's something about spilling your secrets that makes you spill it all out at once.

I don't know if that helped, but good luck and be strong.

froggy
Posted 4/7/2007 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Illogical: I come at this from the parent angle. I also have depression, so am aware of how difficult it is to live with. My son (24) is currently taking ads and doing much better. Please tell your parents that you are suffering. Explain that it has nothing to do with them and how they have raised you or anything they have done. They love you unconditionally and want what is best for you. Believe me, if they knew that you had been suffering for this long without asking for help, they would feel bad that it had gone on so long without their being able to help. We all need help from time to time - whether you are 15 or 51 or any other age. Let your parents help you need their support now. I think you may be pleasantly surprised at how they step up to the plate without sitting in judgment. Keep us posted
Posted 4/7/2007 7:16 AM (GMT 0)

Hi logic...Why is it sooo hard for us to tell our parents stuff? It's an age old question believe me lol!

Self harming and feelings of depression are serious...you know this and I commend you for reaching out to us for help..that takes great bravery..Well Done! yeah

You have been given great advice from redrose and froggy..but if you feel you really Cannot tell your parents outright..here's another suggestion or two..

In the case of my stepson it was always easier for him to come to Me with his probs...I could then tackle and prepare his father for whatever was about to unfold...Sooo, I am wondering if you have a favourite aunty perhaps or a close friend of the family that you can talk openly to and explain all so that the subject can come up more delicately for your parents..eg. they could say something like "I was talking to logic the other day and he/she seems really down etc.."

The other suggestion I have is to talk to your school counsellor if this service is available to you and you feel comfortable about this..they will be able to guide you thru the process of telling your parents I am sure :-)

Keep us posted..and take good care.

Maree

Posted 4/7/2007 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
I'd like to say thanks to all of you who responded. The advice is great and I hope I'll find the courage to put it to good use. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. I think all I needed was to know that it's going to be alright, which is exactly what I got. I can't thank everyone enough.

--Illogical_Logic
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply