First things first, but how?

So I'm here. On a psych forum. This is mostly because I'm pretty sure I need to see a professional for help, except I'm not sure how to take that first step for a few different reasons.

To keep it short, in order to seek legitimate help, I'd have to tell my parents. And like, I'm a grown-up now so I can do what I want, right? especially concerning my own mental health, but I'm currently dependent on them for money. [Just graduated, looking for job, might pursue graduate degree, blah blah.] They're great parents, they love me, they're nice people. And I just don't know how to tell them, "hey. I need to see a psychiatrist because I feel like I'm mildly mentally unstable. Just btw."

They're great people, loving parents, but there's a few reasons I don't want to tell them, or ask them, or whatever. But I need their money, I'm on their insurance. I might be getting a decent job soon [second interview tomorrow], so I could start to be more independent, but even so. The whole thing is kind of stressful, and I'd like to talk with someone ASAP, especially if I do end up with this job since it'd be my first management position, full-time, that kind of thing. I'm already anxious about it, and I haven't been hired yet.

So I don't know where to go, who to talk to, where to start. If anyone relates, or has some suggestions, I'm more than willing to hear them at this point. Thanks in advance!

First of all, I'm going to assume you have a primary care provider, who can give you a referral to a psychiatrist. Telling your parents is not something you actually HAVE to do, but it would be a good idea to do so in order that they can give you some support. You never know, they might already have a notion that you need help---sometimes the people closest to us know the truth long before we figure it out.

I recommend seeing a psychiatrist first, as opposed to a psychologist or therapist, because they can not only diagnose you (or not), they can also prescribe medications if you need them. A therapist should be involved though, because you will need someone to talk to and many people only see a psychiatrist every few months for medication management. Your primary care provider should be able to recommend one as well.

I wish I knew more about your relationship with your parents so I could advise you better...you seem to be fearful that they will react badly if you disclose your feelings. Wishing you the best.