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How do I tell my parents I'm depressed?

305 Answers
Last Updated: 03/19/2022 at 10:21pm
How do I tell my parents I'm depressed?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Andrea Tuck, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I tackle and discuss a multitude of social and emotional health issues. I have a belief that through empowerment and non-judgmental support clients' can thrive.

Top Rated Answers
indigoraspberries
January 31st, 2018 12:08am
Sit them down, and slowly but surely explain how you feel. Do not over exaggerate but don't miss out important detail. It's important they know because they can help.
Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 8:06pm
This can be an extremely stressful thing to do, because you never know how your parents are going to react. I've known people whose parents are extremely supportive and understanding, and others whose parents are awful at handling it. The easiest way to tell them is probably to just tell them right out how you are feeling. You can say something like "I've been feeling really down and hopeless lately, and I think I might have depression." Just get it out there - and if the conversation doesn't go well, you can come vent about it to one of the listeners :)
robcruz
February 21st, 2018 12:27am
Honesty is the best policy afterall, everyone goes through depression and one or both parents might understand what you are going through.
Delaney4
February 21st, 2018 6:33pm
Sit down and talk talk to them, tell them how you feel. It may seem like they don't understand so help them understand.
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2018 3:45pm
We grow up thinking parents are the one who have all the answers and are our ultimate protectors, but in truth they are as vulnerable as anyone else in the world. If you’re feeling depressed and need to talk to look for somebody who isn’t having problems themselves and if your parents are strong minded and seem to keep things In control. Start off slowly that you’ve been having negative feelings. A good parent will always try to listen and understand and help guide you. At the end is always up oneself if we want to listen and be better.
Thegirlwhowrites101
March 1st, 2018 2:31am
Tell them you need to talk to them, sit them down and talk to them. Explain to them how you feel and why you feel this way.
Kay2134
March 1st, 2018 10:44am
If you find it hard to speak to them you could always write it down. Sometimes that can make it easier to express your real emotions without the conversation getting too emotionally charged that way they get to fully understand how your feeling and then they can ask any questions after
Lulubell21
March 4th, 2018 6:12pm
There is no right or wrong to this question! Your parents always want to support you when you are going through something difficult. It's perfectly ok to feel scared or worried about telling them but remember that you will feel such a weight come off your shoulders when you do. The first step on the road to recovery is letting people know so that they can support you and be there for you. Just be honest and keep it simple and remember that you will be ok.
Anonymous
March 4th, 2018 10:59pm
However you feel comfortable doing so. Writing it down can often be easier as you don't have to actually say the words.
JJill1
March 8th, 2018 9:26pm
This can be a very tough situation to deal with, quite frightening to deal with sometimes. They do care whats best for you, try to remember that :) Most likely they will understand and be very caring.
SammiieSmiles
March 15th, 2018 12:40am
Have you tried considering writing a letter and leaving it next to their bed for when they wake up? Its one of the easiest ways as noone interrupts you, you can get down all your feelings and be able to express how you truly feel. Please remember its important to talk to your parents as they are there to help you through any troubles you have. They can help find the correct support for you if you ar struggling. Remember we are here all year round 24 hours a day 7 days a week if you need anyone to talk to. Take care and good luck xx
Anonymous
March 16th, 2018 12:42am
You express what you are feeling to them. Explain to them that depression is not something you can help and maybe they have dealt with it before.
lovelyPalm93
March 28th, 2018 2:31pm
I would start of with saying that I was feeling a bit down and build on it. I wish I had just started it as a conversation because when I was in that situation I was self harming and my parents just found out because of the wounds. It would have been so much easier to talk it through.
healingCloud74
March 30th, 2018 1:16am
It may seem hard to share personal feelings with parents, especially if you haven't done it in a while. It also can be hard to share when you're not really sure what's going on yourself. Sometimes parents can offer a new angle that helps you figure things out. Just talking about it might help you see things more clearly for yourself.
Katishereforyou
March 31st, 2018 6:19am
First, ask them if they can sit down and talk with you. Explain how you feel and reasons why you feel this way. Ask them if there is some way for them to help you not feel this way anymore.
Anonymous
March 31st, 2018 8:00pm
You have to break it to them slowly admit your not very happy and how you think you may need to talk to someone professional.
Anonymous
April 1st, 2018 6:35am
Say “I’m depressed and I’d like to talk to a manual health professional about what’s going on in my life and see if I can make some changes.”
SnowTheListener
April 13th, 2018 8:00am
Speak to the more compassionate of the two parents first. They'll be a lot more sympathetic to the sensitivity of the issue. Agree to have a sit down with your parents later where you're allowed to discuss how you feel in a supportive and caring environment.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2018 4:07am
It depends on the relationship you have with your parents. What you feel you can disclose to them. You know your parent better than anyone. Your parents love you and will support you in any way they can a parents love is unconditional. Sit them down and explain to them how you feel be honest and open.
QueerChristianTeen2004
April 26th, 2018 3:01am
You could write them a note to explain it. Or text or otherwise instant message then. Tell them exactly how thou feel.
AprylFools
April 26th, 2018 12:36pm
The best thing to do is take a few deep breaths. It's always hard to admit something to your parents when you've no idea of how to start it. Explain to them how you feel in detail and tell them that you're struggling to cope with it and you need their support.
KeshavDev
April 27th, 2018 3:19am
'Talking' is the key! They wouldn't know until you pour out your heart to them. Trust me, sharing how you feel with people especially with your parents helps a lot no matter what situation you are in.
lovelife01
April 27th, 2018 6:43pm
Firstly tell them that I want to tell you something. I believe and I know you will help me. I am sad for some reason. Tell them the reason and explain them.. they will understand and help you surely.
sarahburrito
May 3rd, 2018 2:17am
This is something I struggled with for a long time. In the end I wanted to tell them face to face but it was really hard so I texted it to them. After that it was still awkward to talk about but not as bad. It's up to you and how you want to tell them. It's kind of like ripping off a bandaid in that you'll likely feel a lot better after telling them. Good luck.
cuddles7998
May 4th, 2018 4:36pm
the only way of doing that is a simple thing call communication. express what you feel, communicate, and suddenly you will see change. communication is the key to understanding.
Robinzoo
May 5th, 2018 3:21pm
It is a difficult thing to do. If you trust both or one of your parents, try to sit down with them in an enviroment where you feel complete safe. Go through it slowly in your own pace.
TheDarkPassengerNC17
May 10th, 2018 3:26am
Try and explain to them in a way that “they” understand, we all respond differently to situations like this one. You may try having a friend talk to them with you.
Anonymous
May 18th, 2018 6:13am
They are your parents.Dont hide this from them.They can help you.You just have to go and tell them how you feel everyday.They will understand and help you out.
Lovelylily876
May 23rd, 2018 1:54pm
I would first need to convince them that I'm being sincere and honest in what I'm about to say because this way if I say something about my depression it won't get blown off. I'll next explain the things in my life that I haven't been satisfied with and that repeatedly dishearten me. I'll only continue the conversation further if they are interested and I'll request their help in recovering from my depression.
gracefulDancer29
May 26th, 2018 7:03pm
You can sit them down and tell them what your situation is in a hypothetical view or in the third person when you've told them the situation then you can reveal that it's you who's going through the situation