I don’t want my depression to be a secret anymore…?
I’m 18 & have been feeling depressed for a long time now and am tired of it and really feel like talking to someone about it… However, I have told noone about my depression before so I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid if I ask anyone for help they will tell my parents which is the last thing I need as I don’t get on well with them… Please don’t suggest that I go to the doc because I live in the backass of nowhere so therefore my only way into the doctor is to get a lift from my parents…and he is also a friend of my parents so that’s outta the question. I really don’t want to have to keep it to myself anymore but at the same time don’t want everyone knowing about it.. I was thinking about confiding in one of my college tutors as I trust her and she is a good friend but have no idea how to approach her and I’m afraid she’ll think I’m a wuss and judge me. Also, If I was to tell her, would she have to tell my parents?
April 13th, 2010 at 10:51 am
definitely tell somebody….you should get help…and i think the tutor and college professionals could be your best shot….
April 13th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Talking to someone about it is def. a good idea it doesn’t have to be a doctor or a parent. Just ask one of your close friends for some advice. Sometimes being able to open up to someone about a feeling you’ve been holding inside can solve the problem all together. But you have to talk to someone anyone if you don’t confront it it will only get worse in the long run.
April 13th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Depression in not something to be ashamed of and in fact affects many people, so I wouldnt be ashamed in going to talk to someone. Your college tutor may be able to point you in the right direction. Being brave enough to admit this to someone should be commended, so enough of “you being a wuss” nonsense. As you are 18, nobody has to tell your parents about anything if you dont want them to. Please go and talk to someone and goodluck.
April 13th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
First of all the fact that your 18 means you do not need your parents permission for anything. However , it takes a lot of courage to even admit the fact that you have been depressed, keeping it in silence is NOT the best thing to do. You have made the right choice for yourself in involving others. I understand that transportation to a professional help is out of the question, perhaps you may speak of this to your college tutors but if they feel that you are in danger of harming yourself they may have to inform others. You legally dont need to inform your parents of this, but maybe the one of the problems of your depressions is the fact that you dont have a good relationship with them. Counseling is the best suggestion, involving others is a positive thing for you, it will take a long time on how to deal with, understand and cope with depression, but you hang in there and if you decide to include others it will benefit you in the longrun. Depression is a hidden ugliness that if not helped/treated it can lead to other unhealthy matters. Please speak out.
I wish you well and the best.
April 13th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Most college campuses have an on campus psychologist or counselor that students can talk to, ours had a really good one. Your trusted college tutor should know if there is one or know how to find out. Talking to her would not only make you feel better, but would also help you get help without going through your parents. As far as her telling your parents, she does not have to, and in reality is supposed to keep your confidence. The on campus psychologist/counselor couldn’t either.
Also, that doctor, even though he is your parents’ friend, there is a thing called doctor, patient privilege. If he were to tell your parents, then he would be breaking the law since you are 18 years old. So if you feel it’s necessary to get medication, the next time you are sick and have to go for something else, bring it up to him. He can at least help you get the medicine and he can NOT tell your parents if you ask him not to.
No one is going to judge you or think you are a wuss for being depressed either. It is a common thing, especially among women. Severe cases are usually due to a chemical imbalance too, and is something that can not be helped, believe me, I know from experience. You need to get help from someone as soon as possible because depression can and will get worse the longer you try to hide it. It’ll also make school and work after school a LOT more difficult. You wouldn’t believe how much better you can sleep and can concentrate when you are not depressed anymore. Talk to someone asap, it’ll make things SO much easier.
I hope this helps. Good luck.