possible depression?

[softiejordy]

hello everybody. i suspect i may have depression, but i'm unsure on how to go about getting it checked.

i've lived in a home (and in a school environment) where grew up not knowing much about depression until grade 7, where all of a sudden i was really just. thrown into it by a friend who told me he had depression. i've done a lot more research since then, i've learned what depression really is, and i suspect that i may have it.

the thing is i'm more worried about putting more on my parents plate than anything. both my little brother and my older brother have autism and both struggle in school (plus my little brother goes to an occupational therapist). im sure both pay a lot of money, and they're also quick to shout (my entire family is very sarcastic with eachother)

i'm scared to go to them for anything because of this, but i fear i'm getting worse, so i think i have to. how should i go about telling them? i'm not very good at talking out loud, but i could write a letter or a text. i'd feel more comfortable telling my mother than anything, but i'm not quite sure how to go about writing the letter.

thanks!

[Matchy69]

Hi Softiejordy and welcome to the forums.I am sorry you struggling and find it hard to talk,I do to.They sounded like good ways to communicate to your parents by writing it down or by text.You need to let your parents know how you are feeling and you would like to see your doctor to see if you do have depression.When you do see your doctor you can have things written down how you are feeling and anything your doctor might want to know.I do that all the time when I see the doctor and just even given them your notes hid you feel uncomfortable to talk to them.

Take care,

Mark.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Softiejordy, 

Welcome to the forums - we see you've already found some great advice and support from Matchy69 which is great. We want to say how incredibly brave it is to rech out for support here on the forums - it is an incredible first step to take and we want to congratulate you for taking it.

We think a wonderful next step would be to contact our phoneline to have a chat about how you are feeling. It can be really useful to speak about how you feel but we understand that sometimes typing + texting can be easier so we also have some webchat options that may be easier for you below.

Have a think about contacting one of the services below and please feel free to come back and update us on how you are feeling. Thank you again for being brave and looking for support.

Phonelines
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline 13 11 14

Webchat  **Please not these are not all 24/7**
https://online.beyondblue.org.au/WebModules/Chat/InitialInformation.aspx
https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/online-services/crisis-chat

Kind regards, 

Sophie M

[mocha delight]

Hi softiejordy just go with what your more comfortable with ie letter or text to tell your parents. And as to if you if you end up going to your gp to talk about what I did was I typed up & printed out a list of feelings, symptoms, signs and feelings of depression I was having which as soon i handed that to mine straight away as soon as I had that appointment I made to talk to her about my issues.

[geoff]

Hello Softiejordy, and a warm welcome to the forums.

Being in grade 7 it's not easy to know why you feel sad for a long time, no one can explain a reason until eventually, a friend tells you that he has depression, which makes you think whether or not that's exactly what you've got yourself, and it's always sad when someone as young as you discover you might have this disorder because you're uncertain who you are able to talk with.

Some parents are able to go through life without any problems at all, while others, unfortunately, aren't so lucky, but if you can visit your doctor, then they are able to discuss your problems with your mother and ask the doctor about 'the mental health plan', this will allow you to visit a psychologist for 10 Medicare paid sessions and depending on your condition more sessions maybe available, your doctor will know.

Kids Helpline is available 24/7 on 1800 55 1800 and maybe one option to also contact, but please we hope to hear back from you whenever you're available.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Guest_4643]

hi, welcome.

in order to get diagnoseses, you would have to see a GP and/or Psychiatrist, i'm not sure if Psychologists can make diagnoseses (just my knowledge of it, maybe they do, idk).

i guess you could try telling your parents how you feel - your symptoms, etc. i don't know. sorry i can't assist further. just wanted to comment that you need a professional to diagnose you.

i'm not dismissing you or your feelings though.