Telling Coach about Depression

[Matchbox]

Hi, 

I am meant to have a chat with my coach some time next week. I have never, ever been good at expressing my feelings. I literally choke up, can't say anything and couldn't possibly know where to start. Im hoping that I can hopefully get through this. Any tips??

Background - 

Im 19 and I have suffered with depression for about 4 and a half years now, mainly due to bottled up feelings. I have only seen a psychologist once at it was the worst experience of my life. I think my coach will advise me to see one and I really do not want to. Plus Im scared he'll tell my mum which scares me to death. I know those two things will be the outcome and Im seriously considering calling this thing off and just going with the flow like I have all these years 

[Paul]

Hey Matchbox,

You're awesome just for having the guts to think about telling coach! I know it must be hard though. Apart from the people on here who are awesome at helping out, there are some resources on the Beyond Blue website about having the conversation you're thinking about having.

In the menus at the top of the page "Get Support" there's "Have the conversation". There are some great tips on how to have a chat with someone on how you're feeling. This might help with a conversation with your mum if that happens. Pretty scary, I know, but worth a browse through anyway just in case.

It sounds like you had a tough time visiting the psychologist, that sucks. How do you feel about telling us what happened?

Hey - I'm glad you reached out to us here. There's even mums on here who might jump in and help out with some advice too.

Take care

Paul

[Narniakid]

Hey Matchbox, welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

As Paul said, you're already doing so well for just reaching out to us and considering telling your coach. For some of us, sharing our feelings can be really tough. I know I very often struggle to get words out without falling in a heap.

Perhaps if you are too nervous about telling your coach in person, write him a letter. Tell him what you're going through and how you feel about it and what he can do to support you. It will feel better to get it off your chest, and a giving him a letter to read will give your coach time to take it all in and respond in the appropriate and supportive way.

Crystal