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How can I tell my parents that I think I'm depressed?

307 Answers
Last Updated: 12/03/2021 at 1:00am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Stacy Overton, PhD.

Counselor

I am an enthusiastic life-long learner and also a professor of counseling. I have a passion for peoples stories and helping to guide and empower the human spirit.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 9:00pm
Just go to them and say it out! Plain and simple. I mean it is hard but in the end you got to do what you got to do. They might not understand straight so you got to find adequate situation and then start talking to them. First bring them into a normal conversation and then say it, or during an on going conversation, take your time and express what you are going through. If you don't find any of the above suitable for your situation then ask one of your siblings who you think is close to your parents, or one of your close friend who is well known to your parents as well.
Youarewaytooperfect
November 8th, 2018 3:32am
You can tell your parents you think your depressed by sitting down with them and having a normal mature conversation. If they see you are responsible and act like a adult then they will see you as one. Sometimes your parents just want the best for you and from that only see the good so it may be hard for them to accept it. You just have to explain to them how you have been feeling recently and why. If you open up to them they may come to see what you have been going through without them knowing it.
Anonymous
November 7th, 2018 2:10am
I believe it is best to sit down and just talk to them. If it’s hard for you to get it out let them know. Tell them that you don’t know how to say this and it’s hard for you to get out. Let them know exactly how you are feeling. Let them know about the symptoms you are having that lead you to lead you to think that you have depression. Don’t be afraid to let you feelings out. Tell them everything. They need to know exactly how you feel and exactly what’s going on in order to help you. Good luck
Engineeringhappiness
September 15th, 2018 1:19pm
just explain to them what you are feeling... describe your symptoms. you shouldnt be afraid to talk to your parents.
BestMotivationer
September 9th, 2018 6:49pm
I would tell them by sitting them down at a table, where there are NO distractions and they have your undivided attention. When you are face to face with no distractions, its showing them the seriousness of the situation. Once you tell that you think that you are depressed, let them know that you are seeking help from them. Telling an adult when you think that youre depressed is a commendable deed. It shows that you want change and that way you can all learn what and what not to do. You all can search ways to receive help and make a great change.
peaceofmind123
August 18th, 2018 9:19pm
Every situation can be different for different people who handles such news differently. But in my opinion, many times parents see that something might not be right with theit child, but they might think it's just stress or being a teenager or bf problems etc. I think as a child when I was desperate enough, I had the courage to tell my mom, turn out she has been thinking as much for the last year, but I was to stubborn to accept help. When it came straight down to it, I told her that I'm always sad/angry/irritated/lonely etc no matter if if I don't really have a reason to be, no matter how hard I try and take my mind of it, it's always lingering in the background. Tell your parents that you might be dramatic or a teenager or whatever, but that this feels different. This geel like something that won't just pass, that you can barely get out of bed, that you can a rely think and when you do it's bad thoughts. If you want them to really get you, you are going to need to be willing to get real and be vulnerable. People in today's life throw the word depressed around so commonly, that it's hard to distinguish when a person says I'm feeling and I actually have depression.
ToastyF
August 17th, 2018 12:03pm
Hello. Thank you for reaching out to the 7cups of tea community! Im sorry you feel depressed. I can realize it's hard to tell parents if you're depressed but you could tell them you need to have a serious talk with them. Then you can go on and say that you're feeling Depressed and tell them why you're feeling depressed. And they may think after if you have stopped doing stuff you liked or been more introvert. These conversations can take time so try to find a good time to sit down and talk. Dont be shy depression is common now day's and your parents will hopefully help you! // Filip.
calmingNight81
August 16th, 2018 11:22am
Telling anyone, especially your parents, that you feel depressed is never easy. If you are worried you will be rejected in some way (or if they don't believe you), this fear can be amplified further. The important thing is that they understand how you feel. I think a good place to start would be to get some sort of counseling to both begin the healing process and to validate your claims. A good way to introduce this would be to convey how you feel to your parents, and possibly that you would like to feel better or that they at least understand what you're going through.
Anonymous
August 15th, 2018 7:52am
Come straight out and tell them. It may seem scary, but they are your parents, and their job is to help and protect you. Get professional help and stay strong.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2018 6:56pm
They are my parents and i dont need to shy to share my problems. I will try my best to convey my troubles. Hope , they will understand. Atleast they may help you .
Anonymous
August 12th, 2018 5:31pm
if you are depressed , talk to some one you are very close to and kinda see if you really are . If you find out you are , ask politely to your parents have them sit down and have a serious conversation . Seek some help .
millie77
August 1st, 2018 10:27am
First, it's important to tell them. But the way you will do it is very important too. Choose easy words but significative, try to explain why you're feeling that way or since when, and be ready for one or two little questions from them. It's difficult to understand and to accept as a parent.
Anonymous
July 29th, 2018 2:26am
Just tell them. There isn’t really a right way to do it as long as you convey why you feel the way you do. Ask to see a professional. You need a diagnosis to officially be considered depressed. The sooner the better.
Dlinepop
July 25th, 2018 2:53pm
Coose the perfect time when your parents are having the free time. That way, they can listen more to your problems.
Anonymous
July 25th, 2018 12:27pm
Speak to your GP first. That shows the issue is real and has been recognised by a professional. Then, maybe, tell your parent(s) by saying that you went to the GP because you haven't been feeling great and they think that you are depressed.
MiaBia
July 22nd, 2018 1:27am
Just recently, I told my parents about the things I was thinking and the feelings I had. It seemed to work pretty well. They understood and came to the conclusion that I was (and still am) depressed. Unfortunately, not all parents are understanding and supportive, like mine. Some need you to explain more or some might not believe you. That's okay, just breathe and tell them what you think is going on. I hope this helped in any way. Sending well-wishes!
Anonymous
July 21st, 2018 9:44pm
Just tell them to take you to a psychologist. Tell them how you feel. Talk it all out. You'll feel much better and light.
Lgbtandchristians
July 21st, 2018 9:30am
The best way would be to sit them down and walk through it with them if you need more advice I can give you a link to a more qualified individual
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 10:45pm
Try writing a letter or expressing it in a way that is personal for you. For example, if you enjoy art, maybe try drawing a picture and then showing them and explaining what it means. This might be easier if you're worried about not knowing what to say or how to put it in a way that makes sense.
dazedonlife
July 18th, 2018 3:46pm
When I was younger I tried to hide it, I would look tired from staying up crying, Again I would lash out, Till one day I met a gitl who I fell for, Some things happened and I ended up cutting myself deep, The girl told my mum which ended up in me going down stairs and showing my mum, My point is, I should have just told her first
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 4:17am
You can try to approach the topic by testing the waters and gauging their opinion on depression before broaching the actual statement. It also helps to make sure you understand it well enough to explain to your parents if they don’t understand.
Anonymous
July 8th, 2018 1:25am
Hello. When you are ready, you can bring up the topic. This is a huge step to take, and you will most likely be a bit nervous. Calmly tell them this, and ask for help. Therapy would be ideal to ask for. Always have a backup plan, for they may not accept this. But it is always okay to tell them, for most parents will not judge and be happy to help their beloved child.
courageousMelody30
April 18th, 2018 8:18am
Before you tell your parents you think you may be depressed it's essential that you figure out what to say and how to approach it. Ask for help! You may be afraid as to how your parents will react so it's always a good idea to have someone you trust by your side. You may cry. Also, your parents may cry and seem unhappy but you are doing the right thing by addressing it now before it gets worse.
1980friend
April 6th, 2018 12:47pm
I acknowledge it, accept and think of ways to recover. I don't believe that you can cure depression 100% but by being with positive, happy people, constantly remind and be thankful that we are still living and healthy is a good start, and reach out to others. Only when we reach out to others, we focus lesser on ourselves and that is when the healing process begin. Depressed as I maybe, I will not think that this world will end. I will do something that makes me happy everyday .. eg watching a feel good movie, connect with children or learn a new language.
Anonymous
April 11th, 2018 3:46pm
Maybe you could start by asking if they have noticed changes, like maybe you have stopped liking this and that? Maybe you have been less cheerful? Ask if they have noticed this, and you could begin to talk about how you feel on the inside. I hope they understand :)
Ebeyn
April 14th, 2018 7:42am
I think you should talk to them, Explain why. And express what exactly you are feeling. Because that's what I did :)
Altruren
April 14th, 2018 9:29am
It can be difficult for your parents to understand what depression is in the first place if they've never experienced it. Both of my parents did not initially understand the true pain and potential dangers of the depression I was going through. My recommendation is to be very open and vulnerable with your parents. Let them know exactly what you are feeling, the struggles that you are going through, and make a strong emphasis on how serious the situation is. Expect your parents to be confused at first if they don't understand depression. Expect them to give you advice that may or may not fit you. Understand that they are human too and while they may not initially understand, they want the best for you and will come around. Also, if you are still frightened of their opinion, know that even if they don't understand there are always going to be others that understand and will be there for you completely, such as the wonderful people on this platform.
friendlySoul49
May 5th, 2018 2:11am
Feeling depressed happens to many people. Your parents would love to know how your feeling. Start with a hug...that is a healing gesture that works both ways. Plus the hug will feel awesome for you and awesome feeds courage.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2018 8:48am
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling. To tell your parents that you've been depressed, it would be best to find a time when you can speak to them privately and calmly. If you're nervous, it can help to plan out what you want to say. You can explain to them what you've been feeling recently and ask for help. Please don't be afraid to ask about seeing a therapist. If you need professional help, it is accessible.
Anonymous
April 5th, 2018 4:11pm
I normally go about sharing my depressive modes in small increments I don't try to overwhelm my parent with so much of what's going on in my life simply because they already have no struggles with their own. Sometimes just sharing something that you love to do would love to do this more than enough to release a little bit of her depression even though you don't want to really share what depresses you. but as the conversation does go and you see that your mother is sincerely or even your father is sincerely willing to listen to more of what's bothering you their best wisdoms for you to help ease what bothers you