Meds...

I try to talk to my parents about trying to help me with my depresstion, but it seems to go in one ear and out the other. If i do get a responce its that i dont need meds, because nothing will help me. They just wont give them a chance. I know that you just cant take meds to make everything go away, but i think it would just help out and make it easier for me to cope with it. Any idea how i can make them see this?

hi MSF, welcome to PC

Family can be difficult to deal with when we're depressed, especially if they don't really understand what's going on. If there are any other members of your family you can talk to -- grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc -- who you know would be more supportive of you and might be able to help you talk to your parents about this, that might be worth a shot. What about bringing them along to a doctor's appointment, or to see your therapist/counsellor if you have them? They might need to hear about meds from a professional. The other thing you could do is find some information on depression and the positive effects of medication for your parents to read. It could be that they simply don't know what the benefits of being on meds actually are.

You're right that meds aren't a "quick fix", but they can really help make the depression manageable. Do what you have to in order to get well. Family can complicate things, but if you think you need medical attention for your depression, find someone other than your parents to help for now. Getting them to understand is less important than getting yourself taken care of, in the end. Good luck.

Is there any way you could get them to talk to a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist about depression?

In regards to anything depression related they never believed me but the second a therapist (someone QUALIFIED) said anything... bang they listened

If you take meds, then you are sick. This is what your parents aren't ready to accept (if that is true, obviously, which I can't tell from here).
But yes, it is good to involve a professional. Meds are a chance. You should not waste a chance because of prejudice. Definitely.

Ive seen one therapist before, she even told them that i need to see a regular doctor. They still dont belive it. So i havent been really getting help from one. I just have friends and my boyfriend to talk to. I think ill try to get some info to show them, but i kinda doubt that will work all that great. She'll just say its all in my head, or im acting out

MSF, are you in school? Most schools have counsellors that you can talk to, and even if you don't bring your parents along to see them, you can at least work together with the counsellor to find a way to get you the help you need. The counsellor is a professional and will listen to what you have to say, and will not tell you you're acting out or that it's all in your head. It's unfortunate that this is the view your parents are taking -- some people simply don't understand how these things work, or that they're even real. The problem with mental illness of any kind is that it's incredibly stigmatized, but keep working to get yourself the help you need, and in the meantime, keep posting here. The people at PC are an incredible source of comfort and support right when you need it most. Hang in there.

The counsellors at my school dont really help, and i dont feel too comfortable talking to her. It seems like she doesnt wanta be there in the first place, then when she talks its with a fake smile.

Thanks for the help btw, everyones alot of help

Your profile info looks like you are from Pennsylvania. If you really believe you need to see someone about maybe getting meds, here is the state of the law in PA.

If you are under 18 but at least 14, you can seek your own mental healthcare with full confidentiality. Your parents cannot be told, except for the case of child abuse. Insurance issues may become a sticky point, but your parents cannot stop you from seeking the mental healthcare you need. You can even check yourself into a mental hospital, and your parents cannot stop it, but they will be told of your hospitalization.

I'm no expert in the law, but that's what I found on a Google search for "mental health teens PA".

I really hope your parents come around and help you with this. I'm not telling you to disobey your parents. But you need to take care of yourself, and that is why laws like this exist.

((Amazonmom)) thanks, im just not sure who to see.............i was tlking to my ma today and she told me if i cant tlk to her i wont be able to tlk to anyone... but every time i try she says she has something else to do.....idk anymore

I know what your going through. When I was first diagnosed wiht all my stuff in the hospitol last year, my Dr. wanted me to taks different meds and Because I was a minor, my mom was able to tell him no. I think that they would at least help some of mysymptoms and allow me to live a some what normal life but I have to see a doctor and look into it again.

I hope your parents give in.

Roman James

Hi MSF,
I think your mom's got it backwards: it's because she is your mom that you can't talk to her. I cannot talk to anyone at home either, in fact, I can only talk to my T. Family is not objective; they take things personally. Your mom probably feels it's her fault that you have to take meds, that is why she doesn't want to confront the situation--she is taking it very personally. I don't know your situation, but I think most parents will feel it is their fault, or think outsiders will think that it is their fault, if something goes "wrong" with their children. It seems you are the one thinking like an adult here. Hope you can find a solution to your dilemma. Take care.

ive tlked about it some more with her....i still dont get much...she just seems to poke around at the issue then change the subject completle, when i tell her i would like her to answer my questions we just end up fighting....i guess this is something im gunna have to do without her, but i wish it wasnt tht way

Hi MSF,
I commend you on trying to take responsiblity for yourself. I don't know if you are a minor so you need your parent's permission to see a T., but if that is the case, can you have another adult, like your teacher or school nurse or even another relative talk to your mom? I really hope you can get your mom to understand how you feel. She definitely sounds like she is avoiding this whole issue which makes her uncomfortable. I wish she could get herself past this, and think of your needs instead. Maybe you can show her this thread--she may begin to understand your feelings. Good luck and take care!

hey lifsuks
i think i might just do that, have someone else talk to her that is. Im gunna try again today, but i dont think its gunna go well considering im pretty depressed and dont really wanta talk to anyone. i guess ill see how it goes

Hi MSF,
Did you get a chance to get somebody to talk to your mom? How'd it go? If not, I hope you do talk to her, or at least print out this thread and leave it somewhere for her to find. Maybe then she will realize how you feel. Good Luck, and take care.

Thnks no i havent tlk to her yet...ive been really busy. But i think im guuna do wht u said and leave it somewhere...maybe that will help. thanks so much

You hang in there.

thanks