How do I talk to my parents about my depression?

by on February 3, 2010 in Questions & Answers

I’m 15, my parents divorced last week. Recently I’ve spent the majority of my time with my dad. For a while now I find myself thinking about suicide and realizing I have nothing I feel I need to live for at this point. I want to talk to my parents about this but I don’t know how to, and I’m scared what they will do.

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2 Responses to “How do I talk to my parents about my depression?”

  1. bam January 29, 2010 at 5:15 am #

    You should definitely talk to your parents soon. I attempted suicide once and I admit that it isn’t as exciting as you may think. By the time that I started to pass out I wished I hadn’t done it. You have a purpose whether you like it or not and I am positive you would be missed. I sat down with my mom (the more understanding parent) and told her that I obviously had some sort of problem. I took it slow and told her that I am never relaxed, I get panic attacks and everything that I used to be interested in doesn’t interest me anymore. I just explained to her exactly how I felt. She completely rejected me and told me that I was fine and don’t have to worry about it, it will pass. Then I said ‘No, you don’t understand’ and told her that I had thoughts about suicide. She closed her mouth and really listened then. I explained everything a second time and then she really got it. She called that afternoon for a psychiatrist. With me, it ended up being anxiety instead of depression. I feel ten times better.

  2. monkey777monkey January 29, 2010 at 5:15 am #

    You could use the technique that works for most delicate subjects, start on a tangent.

    You don’t have to start by saying "mom/dad I’m thinking of killing myself".

    You could start on the edge like "mom/dad what do you think a young person should do when they’re depressed?"

    Or you could start on a more distant tangent like "mom/dad have you ever known someone who committed suicide?" then work the conversation toward the center over time (hours/days/etc).