how do I tell my parents about my depression?

[skyblue18]

hi, I'm new to the BeyondBlue online forum but I thought it would be a great place to get some advice. for the last couple years, I have been struggling with depression and anxiety but it had been "minor" and manageable. within the last 6-12 months my mental health has spiralled down and I know I need help. I have emailed headspace a few times and they suggested/want me to get face to face support which I totally agree with. the only thing in the way between me and getting help is that I don't know how to tell my parents. I know that they will be supportive as I have seen it when they helped my older sister when she was struggling. I don't know why I cant tell them but as I approach them I panic and back out. I've been hoping that my parents will initiate the conversation that's why I have been waiting so long, but they don't know that I am struggling so, therefore, they haven't initiated any conversations. to me, going up and initiating the conversation myself is daunting but I don't know what else to do.

[startingnew]

Hi Skyblue

just a quick pop in to see how you went and how your day was...?

[skyblue18]

Well, it went really well. a lot better than I was expecting. I left the letter on the kitchen counter for when my mum would wake up and went to school early to go on my soccer trip. we ended up winning, and after our game, I look at my phone to see my mum had sent me a text reading, " I love you! have a fab day". This made feel a bit better. when I got home last night my parents were still at a meeting for work. mum came home from work first, came into my room and said how proud she was of me for taking that first step as she understands how hard and intimidating it would've been. she said if I ever want to talk to her or the family I can but if I prefer to talk to a professional that's fine too. when my dad came home he came into my room and thanked me for the letter. he said he'd be happy to take me to headspace next week as he has 3 days off work. I knew their reaction would be positive but the way they handled it made me feel a lot better. he understood how i felt by saying "it must feel a lot better/easier now that most of the pressure is gone. and if you want to release more pressure you can talk to us or someone else". they are not smothering me but now they are more aware it feels great.

[smallwolf]

skyblue18,

Well done. Really happy for you. Despite our age differences, it can be "scary" to have to tell people that you are suffering, and in my case, I did not really know what it was. Well I had a thought, but there is also a sense of relief when that pain is acknowledged by someone else, and in my case, the diagnosis of my GP and Psych. As much as you know you are not making it up, but not really sure what it is, or what to do about it.

If you can, let us know how you are going? There will be ups and downs in this journey, but remember there are people, both in the real world and here who care about you and will support you.

All the best.

[startingnew]

Hi Skyblue

that is really awesome news! well done for talking to them and im really glad they are supportive of you and it all went well. now if your struggling abit you can talk to them too. again well done!

[stormcloudz]

Skyblue

That was very courageous of you to take that step. It sounds like your letter was very eloquent too.

I am so glad that your parents responded well, and will support you. They sound great. We will also be here to support you if you need some extra folks to talk to.

I am so proud of you for taking that step (I know that doesn't even make sense!). I have a tear in my eye : )

Good luck exploring headspace and as smallwolf says, feel free to let us know how you go.

[CJames]

Yoo,

Sorry for the late response was at traning

Look at this strong women, soo proud.

Told you it'll go fine.

Keep us updated

Connor

[CJames]

Hi Skyblue,

Just checking in, it's been some time 🙂

How's it going?

C.

[skyblue18]

hey c,

i had my first headspace appointment the other week and i have another one next Friday, I've been able to not make my feelings if you know what i mean, like, i no longer have to fake being smiley and happy in front of my family now that they understand. beforehand they would say things like "whats up cranky", but now that they know whats up they don't question it. taking life one step of the time even though life is pretty tough at the moment. I sort of forgot about this forum until today, so sorry for not messaging.

-sky 😕

[stormcloudz]

Sky

That is so great that you are able to be more open now. I expect that's a relief.

Don't worry about not getting back quickly, people come and go on the forum all the time, depending on what sort of support they need. We'll still be here for you. I'm sure cjames will just be happy to hear that you are getting some good support even if things are tough.

[smallwolf]

Sky,

Good to hear from you again.

I am glad things are starting to work out for you.

Think of this place as having 3 room. A bed and breakfast. A short term stay. And long term or permanent residence. Which room you choose is your choice. Others, like myself like to plot their journey here.

All the best, and until we meet again,

Tim