[annielovesbacon]

I am in university (second year). I have been struggling with mental health issues for as long as I can remember but when I came to university I started seeking help, I went to therapy and started taking meds (it was here I was diagnosed tentatively with BP). I do all this alone, my parents have no idea I come to therapy or take meds and therefore I pay for it all myself.
It wasn't a big problem last year, my meds were pretty cheap and therapy/pdoc visits were pretty cheap as well because the costs are subsidized for students by the university. But I just got my meds changed and they are WAYYYY more expensive!!!! I paid for them today but there's no way I can afford to pay every month.
I know I need to tell my parents anyway. They pay for some of my college and I'm on their health insurance, it's only right they know this about me in case something happens, like I need to go to hospital or something. But, I'm not close with them at all (emotionally) and I'm a very independent person. I just can't bring myself to tell them.
Does anyone have any advice? Has anyone else had this problem? Sorry this was so long.

I don't have any advice, but I haven't told my parents or relatives either, as they're all a bunch of ignoramuses in my book. Plus, my dad doesn't know how/when to STFU. I'm confident he'd tell the whole world... because that's just how he is. I mean, we recently discovered my grandma has dementia, and the minute he found out, he literally told ALL of his friends at work.

Sorry you're going through this right now. I can relate

[jtassar93]

The only tip I have is to text them. It's much easier to have a conversation that way. Plus you have time to think of how to word everything and it gives your parents more time to let it soak in. Then when you talk I'm person it'll be much easier. That's what I did. Sorry that's the only advice I have. Good luck

[xRavenx]

I can relate to mental health care being difficult for me to afford. My meds aren't that expensive, but therapy and pdoc appointments are, and I really need to be seen regularly. It's so frustrating. I am single and pay for everything by myself. My mother knows I'm in treatment. She doesn't know too many details about my psychiatric issues, but she did offer a little bit of help financially when her situation improves. I also have a hard time asking for help.

It's hard to reveal to parents personal issues, but you don't need to go into too much detail with them, other than that your treatment is very important to you. Hopefully they'll respect your privacy, but still show understanding that you need the treatment. I know how it can be hard to ask for help when you are an independent person, but you can just keep things brief and clear when talking to them. Texting or writing a letter are two ways you can do it if you do not feel comfortable face to face. I do not know your parents obviously, but maybe it will go better than you expect when you tell them? I hope your parents understand.

My heart really goes out to you. I can't offer advise because I've never been in this situation. I grew up with my father always telling my mother "something is wrong with her". It hurt my feelings pretty bad but now I realize he was just pointing out the obvious. I never had to come out because my parents already knew on some level. I told them what it's called "bi-polar" and they didn't bat an eyelash. They knew something was wrong before I did.

I hope that if/when you tell them, they are nothing but kind and supportive. Good luck with your decision (((hugs)))