I am actually trying to work up to telling my parents about my depression, and that I actually need some help because it's affecting my education. I'm in college, and currently living away from home in an apartment that they are helping me pay for. I also very much respect my parents, and have never gone against them- so we are very alike in that respect. I'm worried that my parents will react the way that yours did, thus why I haven't approached them yet. However, we can't just sit around and wait for them to understand how we feel without taking some form of action. Honestly, what you said about your parents was very respectful, and I think if you just told them what you told us that maybe they'd be more understanding? Because honestly, in order to live our lives comfortably and happily, we have to be a little selfish sometimes. We have to take care of ourselves, or else we aren't truly living. And if that means maybe having a little argument with our parents, then so be it; because when worse comes to worst, they are our family, and they will always love and support us no matter what- it just may take a little more time and a little more convincing on our parts to help them realize that we're a team, and we have to help each other out in order for everyone to be happy.