Telling parents about depression

LegacyUser

I've suffered with depression for as long as I can remember.It's always cropped up when i spend a lot of time at home.The main reason is the way my father treats me and controls my life,he blames a lot of whats wrong on me.

But anyway,I've decided I should say something[to my mother anyway] about it.I felt incredibly low today and had a lot of very serious thoughts of suicide going through my head.I wouldn't do anything,i've a lot to live for.But it's just there,like a recurring illness.

The huge hiccup is, we've a history of suicide in my family,I've lost relatives and even a brother to suicide.Coupled with the fact my parents are very old fashioned and country-folks[that is,apprehensive about talking and prefer the "get on with it" route] I can't see them taking it well.

I'm just looking for advice as to how I should go about it?Should i bring up what caused it or just that I'm going through stuff,to save them some stress over it?

sorry for the poorly worded background stuff

LegacyUser

Hi OP. Years ago I was in a similar situation to you - severely depressed but didn't feel like I could confide in my parents as they had old-fashioned attitudes. One day I decided to write my mother a short note simply telling her that I was depressed and I think I would benefit from therapy, and I left it on her table before I went to school - Bad idea! She booked an appointment with one of my teachers who is also a pscyhologist. I was so embarassed and infuriated that she had taken control of the situation without consulting me, but she apologized and at least the subject was broached. After that I went to a therapist and my recovery began. Today I am happy to say that I am no longer depressed. In fact I am probably more positive and confident in myself than most people. This is clichéd to say, but it really does get better as your circumstances change. It might seem overwhelming now, but try to keep in mind that you wont be living with your parents forever. You have so many prostpects in front of you - try to be optimistic about the future, and do what you can for now. Good luck

killeoinisback

Hi OP,

First of all I'm very sorry to hear your feeling so low. Just remember that at all times things do get better, it may take a while and some work but no matter how dark that cloud is, it can be lifted.

In relation to your post I can only offer an opinion as you know your parents and how they will react. I was in a very similar situation to you, being from the country and parents attitudes etc...

My advice would be "a problem shared is a problem halfed".

I would recommed you sit your parents down and tell them about whats going on. However, there must be no blame and the focus of the conversation must be on what to do in order to try and put you on a road to recovery. Your parents have lost a child to depression already and I'm pretty sure they will be upset over to hear this. If you decide not to go to your parents then you need to see a GP as you mention you are considering sucide. Please, please remember things do get better.

Also, my commiserations over your brother. It must have been a very hard blow to take. Try and go easy on yourself over being depressed, you've been through a lot. My thoughts are with you