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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
Elegantrainfall
May 1st, 2018 1:24am
The easiest way is to rip it off like a Plaster. You could write a letter but it is easier and less complicated to do so face to face. Good luck.
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.
beautifulsunshine01
May 13th, 2018 9:40pm
Be open with your feelings. Explain your emotions and symptoms. Also tell them why you think you are feeling this way.
JesterTealeif
May 19th, 2018 9:43am
A good first step is making a plan. Perhaps you sit them down after dinner and let them know how you're feeling as honestly as you are comfortable being.
Anonymous
May 24th, 2018 8:54pm
Talking to your parents can be hard, the best thing is to be direct and honest there there for you. They care about you.
medlgbtoutandproud
May 26th, 2018 5:30am
Be honest with them and tell them that you had been feeling low for a while and you would like to get some help. Keeping a mood diary is helpful and improves therapy besides helping to figure out what might cause the depression.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2018 12:55am
this can be a difficult situation... perhaps begin with "i've been feeling..." and let them see how they react. then tell them how long it's been going on and ask if there's anything you can do to attempt to feel better. bring up therapy and talk things through. remain calm and be clear on how you are/ have been feeling
Anonymous
June 1st, 2018 6:37pm
Talk to them when they are in a good mood and maybe try and link it into a program you like to watch as a family. E.g "hey mum/dad, did you know that (a person from the TV) suffered from mental health issues?". Try to gage their reactions and continue the conversation further if you feel comfortable.
Skylarstorm
June 6th, 2018 3:28pm
Come up with a list of points that you want to address, and ask them to sit down with you to talk. Make sure that you aren't doing it on a day when the conversation has time restraints or in a public setting. Understand that they might have difficulties wrapping their minds around the idea and be patient when describing your emotions and feelings.
happylittlemelons
June 13th, 2018 1:36pm
It can be a hard thing to do, especially with all the stigma surrounding mental health. It is most definitely important to tell your parents and spark a conversation about it. When I felt something was wrong and I knew I was depressed, I put off telling my parents for a long time, if I could go back and change this, I would've told them a lot sooner. They will be glad that you went to them. The sooner you tell them the sooner you can get help. Because I didn't tell my parents right away, I went 3 years dealing with deep depression. When I finally decided I had to tell them, I wrote a letter. I did this because confrontation was never my strong suit when dealing with tough subjects. I told them all about how I was feeling and how long. At the end of the letter I wrote that I wasn't necessarily comfortable talking about it, so they could write a letter back with their response. This helped me so so much, it made eventually talking about it so much easier. I gave them the letter by leaving it on my parents bed before I had left for school. The next morning there was a letter on the counter addressed to me. This is what led me to getting an amazing therapist and the help I needed. Hope this helped!! As always, Melon :)
Anonymous
June 14th, 2018 8:43pm
One way is come right out and say it. But there is a lot easier said than done. So here are some alternatives that can make it a little easier: -Write it down as a note and hand it to them. I find this to be a lot easier than saying it aloud. -It might seem informal, but you can send them a text. This way you can avoid the in-person talk for a little bit. -If you are a student, you could tell a counselor or a trusted teacher. They could set up a meeting with your parents to help mediate it. -You could tell your doctor. Hope this helps!
Anonymous
June 15th, 2018 10:44am
Every parent is different as to how they react to this subject. Even though you might be scared for their reactions, it's always best to tell them. But don't just tell them you are feeling depressed, because they might not fully understand how you are feeling. Instead, start off by telling them how you feel when you wake up in the morning, how you feel when you are busy with xxx, etc. Make them understand what you are going through and they will react in positively.
juniper20
June 20th, 2018 6:52am
I think a good way to do this is to sit them down and start by telling them you care about them and that it isn't there fault. (If it is their fault, or they are dangerous/aggressive, maybe tell someone else you trust.) Say things like "I'm struggling with..." and "I am worried about..." Tell them exactly what its been like and how you have felt. Being honest is the first step to recovery. Remember it's okay to cry.
Positivityiskeyalways
June 22nd, 2018 11:43pm
Sit them down, talk to your parents. 9/10 they will understand what you’re going through and support you. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2018 8:17am
Be relaxed and don'r stress out..It's kinda like telling your parents that you got bad marks in your paper..which is natural..Try telling them everything at your own pace..Don't rush..They will understand as they have gone through it as well..
powerxwithin
June 24th, 2018 5:00pm
I think the best way to tell your parents is to be honest and open. I also believe you should be straight forward.
FreshLover2002
June 27th, 2018 7:49pm
Being openly honest is a great way. I told my foster mom i was depressed by explaining how i felt useless and how i thought i was nobody; i was really anxious telling her.. But she was really supportive about it.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 9:12pm
Ask to speak to them when they're free. Talk to them in a safe and comfortable environment so you feel at ease to tell them.
klistener01
June 28th, 2018 4:58pm
I know it may not be easy but go to the parent that you know can talk to the best. Whether it is your biological parents or step parents. Start off the conversation with something besides it and ease into it.
Anonymous
July 3rd, 2018 9:34pm
That’s difficult, I know. Try to start with “I have to talk to you” or something like this. Make sure that you have their full attention, than just tell your parents, how did you feel, when your depressed. You can do that, it’s hard but possible.
abbiehoney
July 7th, 2018 8:55pm
Acknowledging the way you feel is the first and hardest step. You are already halfway there. Talking honestly with someone you trust can be a huge weight off your shoulders. Do not force yourself to talk about your mental health until you feel comfortable enough to. Accepting the way you are feeling should be a priority. However, it is always best to tell someone when you are beginning to feel depressed as you will be able to take action and find out how to make things better for yourself, without suffering alone. Remember that you are never alone and that many people suffer from mental health issues.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.