I would say tell your parents, because that's what your parents are for, to care for you and your needs. As a parent myself, I would rather know if any of my kids were going through depression, or anything else, than them keep it to themselves. Maybe your parents make light of mental illness because they don't have a wonderful understanding of it? Many people fear mental illness, so bury their heads in the sand about it. The last thing any parent would want for their child is for them to suffer, but I can't imagine that they'd want you to suffer in silence. If I'm wrong, then is there a close friend you can talk to? Or another family member you trust? If not, could you try some self help methods? My husband many years ago suffered terrible depression, which led to him attempting to take his life. Something clicked in his head and he started meditating and it helped him massively. He pulled himself through it, using meditation. Maybe you could try that? I probably don't need to tell you this, but diet, exercise and sleep can all help with mental health problems too. I would suggest acupuncture, but of course you'd have to pay for it. Although I don't know if that would be easier financially than therapy and medication. Meds are not the only answer, IMO they mask the problem. They may make you feel better, but there's usually an underlying cause for depression and its better to get to the bottom of that and tackle the problem than bury it with medication, that's obviously where therapy would be useful. You could try a school counsellor, I'm not sure if they have to tell your parents or not but there is such thing as confidentiality. But you have to remember if its to the point where you're thinking about harming yourself, taking your life, or hurting others then confidentiality goes out the window and quite rightly so, because these measures are out in place firstly to protect you, then others if you're a risk to other people. If none of these apply to you then a school counsellor may not be obliged to tell your parents. Just like a therapist wouldn't tell your parents what goes on in your session. Ask them about confidentiality, but I would seriously consider talking to your parents as well. They may not take it as bad as you think and they may be far more supportive than you think too.