I need advice, I have no one to turn to

LlamaRama · ‎09-08-2016

I feel weird writing on here but I really don't know what else to do so uh, I've had really bad depression for a few years now along with several other mental health issues (I'm currently 16). And well I don't really have anyone to talk to about it and I can feel it getting worse and worse and i just want to feel okay again.

I do have a few friends who I know would be accepting if I tried talking to them but I really don't know how and I feel guilty even thinking about putting my problems on them. Ive tried telling my parents and at first they told me I was fine and making it all up. Eventually they decided to take me to talk to a professional because I "wasn't being myself" but that didn't really do much because I didn't feel comfortable talking to him. So then they tried a different one and I actually found myself comfortable talking to her. She suggested to my parents that I try out some medication but then they got mad and insisted I didn't need it because it was all in my head. After that they stopped taking me. That was around 6 months ago now. After that I started refusing to go to school because it was only ever making me feel worse so my parents just gave up on me and pulled me out of school. so I can't even talk to a school counselor if I wanted too. I'm scared to try talking to my parents again because I know they'll get mad at me and turn it around on me. I just don't know what to do anymore

Sinking92 · ‎09-08-2016

Hello LlamaRama,

I have depression too, and I feel for you that you can't get your parents to understand and you don't have anyone to talk to, my parents still have trouble being understanding. It's bad enough suffering depression, but when others don't understand, or acknowledge your illness, it can feel much worse.

I imagine that you must feel really trapped in your situation. I was hesitant about joining the forum too, but I think it's great that you have reached out here. I know what you mean about people turning things around, it's awful. I'm sorry I can't offer advice, but I hope someone can suggest some avenues you could take.

ahw309 · ‎10-08-2016

Hi LlamaRama,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for posting!

I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling worse, but I'm really glad you say you want to feel okay again! Like you, Sinking92, and many people here on the forums I have depression as well, and I know how hard it can be, and how stuck you can feel, especially when your parents don't understand and aren't being supportive.

Since you're 16, you are old enough to go to a GP on your own, and your parents don't need to know the reason, or even that you go, if you don't feel comfortable with them knowing. Your GP could offer a lot of support and could also refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional, if you think that would be beneficial. If you are able to do this, I think it would be really helpful.

Having the support of family and friends is also really important. Is there any family member other than your parents that you could speak to? I would also try and work towards opening up to one of those accepting friends. I know it's hard, but please don't feel guilty for opening up to them. That is what friends are for, and they will be willing to help and support you, as you probably would for them. I have a friend who also suffers from depression and anxiety that talks to me, and I am always more than willing to be there for her if she needs extra support!

There are also a number of helplines, like the Beyond Blue helpline, which you can call when you want to talk things through with someone, or if you need extra advice or guidance.

You are also welcome to continue posting on here, if you would like. I've found it a great support and source of comfort, even when I'm just reading around the threads!