I think I have depression.

[pandacoot]

I am not sure if I do have depression or not. My close friends think I do, they think I should go and see a doctor, the thing is, I don't want to tell my parents that I think I might have depression, and I can't go to the doctors or a GP without them. 

​I am not entirely sure of the reason/s I have been down, other than the usual stories, didn't achieve well at school, I had a falling out with a good friend, and I always look down on myself and don't go to people for help, as I am worried I will get annoying. My parents have made it quite hard on me as of late, and most of my mates are saying 'all parents make it hard,' and 'you'll get over it soon enough.' I have been feeling this way for over 3 months, and I am worried of the outcome my behavior will have on my friends. 

Please help me, I need all the help I can get at this moment in time.

Extra info: I am a 15yo girl with no job (no way of paying for any doctors appointment myself)

[Gonegirl]

Hi Pandacoot, you've been brave to come here and ask this question. Do you have your own Medicare card yet? If so then you could attend a GP clinic that bulk bills. Is there a reason you don't want your parents to know how you are feeling? I understand if they are contributing to any issues you may be having. Sometimes though we are embarrassed or afraid of making them worry, however they will be more supportive if they understand you are having difficulties coping. It's important that you find a health care professional to talk to, someone who can assist you with making some sense of how you are feeling. It's tough to be 15 and struggling. I have a 15 yr old son, I'd like to know if he was experiencing depression. Take care of yourself and welcome. Lou 😀

[blondguy]

Hi Pandacoot...you are strong by getting on this site. I wish my 23 year old daughter had the guts to write what you just have when she was 15. Try to find a good GP.....as in one you feel comfortable with and let her/him know exactly how you feel. You are legend Pandacoot....and by the way.....you have an excellent attitude..Its a tough age to be at...dont be too hard on yourself please..:-)

Paul

[geoff]

dear Pandacoot, hello and nice for you to contact us, as I don't like anybody who is an adolescent struggling with depression, because it's bad enough for us adults to try and work out why and then how do we cope.

The time period of 3 months seems far too long for your feeling to be just a sad moment, because these times can be overcome in a much shorter time, but with depression it lingers on and on.

Could you go to the top of the page and click on 'Get Support' and scroll down until you see 'information resources' and then order 'all the printed material' from BB it's all free, and the reason I am suggesting this is for you not only to read it but have it laying around the house so at least your mum may pick it up and also read it.

She will start asking questions which is good because this is a time when you do need their support, and by her knowing about depression is only going to benefit you.

Parents have to understand that if you aren't coping well at school then there has to be a reason why, in other words they need to take their blinkers off and look at the problem in general, and realise that it's time they helped you.

Please don't feel ashamed because you don't know why you feel depressed as this just happens, why, well many of us never know and that's the real problem we are facing.

Depression doesn't last any short period of time as is what has happened with you, so what I'm trying to say is that if you are close to your parents then this is where you need their help.

You can always catch up with your education levels in due course, but you won't be able to study or even get ahead when you have to sort out your depression.

I'm pleased that you have joined us and would love to hear back from you. Geoff. x

[Durras]

Hi Pandacoot,

I have a 15 year old daughter and I have always told to her that she can talk to me about anything, actually I was just having this conversation with her yesterday as she opened up  to me about something she had done which was BAD! She drove a friends car and got pulled up by the police, luckily for her and myself it was a nice cop who let her off with a verbal warning but hearing it from her completely shocked me.

It is important for us parents and it is our role/job to be their for our children and to let them know they can discuss anything with us and especially for them to know they won't be judged, criticized or made to feel terrible in anyway, thou at the same time it is our job to make sure their is a strong firm talking to them and a punishment if you like that is suitable for their age.

All this makes it hard for parents and children as the parents are trying to guide, help and teach or kids but at the same time our children become there own person when they reach your age and think they know it all ( I say that in a nice way)

What is it that your having difficulty in regards with your parents? How have they made it hard for you? Please if you like you are more then welcome to vent that all here on BB so we can help.

My daughter doesn't have her own medicare card so may I suggest:

As Geoff suggested order some things of this website I can guarantee you myself the packaging it arrives in doesn't have Beyond Blue on it. If your parents collect it while your at school or away that could be a good thing if they open it up and see it, maybe that will open the doors for conversation and they will see it is serious and they should also be happy that you have chosen and are so strong to make such a huge decision like contacting Beyond Blue.

If you collect it yourself, have a read of it, maybe can you talk with the school counsellor about it before talking with your parents and as Geoff said again maybe leave some things lying around the house so they see it. If they as (What is this) say:

Oh sorry I must of left if their but to let you know I do feel.......

OR sorry I left it their, I contacted Beyond Blue cause I am feeling really....

Know your not alone we are all here for you. Here on Beyond Blue we are a family too supporting one another, listening to one another and giving encouragement.

Welcome to our family and hope you keep in touch.

Hugs to you

Durras (Carol)

[Jess0425]

Hey pandacoot 🙂

I can see where you're coming from, as I've been in a similar position myself. But of course, I can't fully understand because I'm not you. What I will say though, is that it makes life easier when your parents know. Even if they're shocked at first, and that can be hard to deal with. I understand you don't want to tell your parents (you're afraid they wont believe you, that they wont understand, that they wont take you seriously, etc). My best suggestion is find someone who can talk to them with you. That way you don't have to do it alone, and maybe your parents will find it easier to understand if its not only coming from you.

If there's another adult you can talk to (family friend, teacher you get along with, sibling, friends parents) then they can help you if you really feel like your parents cant. Or if theres any way for you to get into a gp, then that will help too. There's a lot of options for you, so don't feel like you're limited just because you can't find anyway to see a doctor and you don't want to tell your parents. Think about some other people who might be able to help 🙂

I really hope you find the support you need x