[rabbit_hockey_101]

Well its official, my dad sceduled an appointment to our family physician to go and see if I have depression. I'm worried that the doctor will think I'm odd because I might have it. Also, I am worried he will ask me questions like have you ever self-injured or used drugs or alcohol as a way to cope in front of my dad. The truth of the matter is no I have never done drugs, but alcohol yes, and self injury yes, but I don't want my dad knowing that. All I know is that I hope things can get worked out, because I would like to have a normal rest of high school. I'm kinda disappointed in myself because two days after christmas I got really down. Then, out of nowhere I purposely injured myself. I'm proud of myself though, because two days ago, I was hanging with my friends and we were just talking then it got on a conversation of secrets so I told them about how I might have depression and about what happened two days after christmas. They were in utter shock. I wasn't surprised that they had no clue, because I try to cover it up so much especially when I'm with my friends. I was just surprised that I told them. It turns out, one of my friends had depression. We kind of talked about it and I could really tell that she knew what I was going through. I think it's just easier to talk to someone who is dealing with the same situation because you know they understand what you're going through, and vice versa.

Well the appointement is on friday, so I will let you all kow what the doctors find.

Bye

[VickiesPath]

Welcome rabbit hockey,

I can imagine how difficult it must feel to think about admitting these things in front of your dad. You probably might not believe that but I really do. It's taken me over 30 years to tell a family member any details of what I've actually done in the course of some of my darker moments.....it was easy to tell a professional but I had never told a family member until just recently. I asked my husband if he wanted to know and he said yes. It was really hard.

You know what? You are very smart and you are very brave. It takes a lot of courage to tell others when you are hurting badly enough to do things that are not healthy for yourself. It is also very mature. I know it probably doesn't seem like it now and you'd rather do anything but talk to the doctor in front of your dad. But in the long run, it is going to be the best thing for you. I wish I had had a parent that cared this much for me when I was in high school. It may not seem like it now but you are showing very good self care which is a very big deal.

Please keep us posted on how things go. We really care about you.

[Bias Logic]

You are entitled to privacy under the law even if you are underage. No matter how much your Dad complains or pleads, if there is something (or everything) you don't want your Dad to know, your Doc can't tell him, or allow him to hear.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong (which I don't think I am) or explain the specifics of said Doctor/Patent confidentiality.

I've recently started going to the doctors for depression (though I haven't done a lot of the things you said, just because thats not how I ended up reacting) for me at least, its a lot more reassuring knowing you have help then when you let it brew. Also Pdocs have lots of experience in what they do, so they will know how to handle anything you are nervous about. I don't know if your family doctor will be able to do all this (mine just recommended a psychiatrist based on our insurance), but he/she will point you in the right direction. If you have any questions about confidentiality, ask him/her or any questions about what they can do as your family doctor, as opposed to someone in the field.

EDIT: You officially get my first Parenthetical internet hug, even if I'm not much of a stranger hugger :P

((((((((rabbit_hockey_101))))))))))

[justfloating]

It's great that you're going to see a doctor. It shows that you're aware that something isn't right and you want to take steps to fix it. Remember that the things you have been thinking or doing, such as self harm, are nothing to be ashamed of because they are a part of a greater problem. In fact, you should be proud that you recognize that these behaviours aren't healthy and that there might be an underlying cause for the way you're feeling.

It's very scary to let our loved ones in on how we're feeling. I still don't go into great detail about it with my parents. They're supportive, but it's also difficult to tell them that I'm unhappy and there's little/nothing they can do about it. Please, please make telling the doctor EVERYTHING your priority. He won't be able to help you unless he has all the facts, so do what you have to in order to give him what he needs, even if that means asking your dad to wait outside. I've kept things from my doctor and counsellor and have only made recovery much more difficult for myself. If you are uncomfortable talking to the doctor in front of your dad, ask him if he'll wait outside while you have your appointment in private. Make sure that you stress that you appreciate having his support, and that you do want him there for the comfort of knowing you're not alone in this. It might make it easier on your dad that way. Good luck!

[Tamale]

I'm not sure how the confidentiality rules go if you are underage, but I would imagine you still have doctor/patient confidence. I'm sure if your dad has made the appt. for you, then it sounds like he is a supportive father and would give you your space if you need it.
Best Wishes, rabbit_hockey_101.
You are really courageous!

[lynn P.]

Hi rabbit hockey,
you recieved some very god advice and support so far.I also think you're very brave for taking the step in seeing your doctor and it's seems like you have a supportive father. The majority of doctors won't be judgemental and I don't don't think he/she would make you uncomfortable with certain questions.

worried that the doctor will think I'm odd because I might have it.
^^^^
Please don't worry about this because your doctor wants to help you, not judge you. I've said this before - I believe mental illness(especially when there's a chemical imbalance) is a physical illness, like any other physical illness and there shouldn't be a stigma attached to it. If you're concerned about the fact you SI or have used alcohol - this is up to you, if you want to reveal this to your Dad at this time. I think if you're comfortable, you may as well bring it out in the open soon. I bet your own dad drank when he was younger and you may be surprised what else he did LOL. I'm a parent and I would like to know those things, if I were in your dad's shoes.

This doctors appointment will involve you explaining how you feel and how long you've felt this way and whether there are any outside stresses involved. The doctor would then decide if you need medication or to speak with a psychologist or both. Your doctor won't be making you feel like you're on the witness stand. Remember feeling sad and needing help is nothing to be ashamed of. Did you know many substance abusers are actually self medicating themselves, instead of reaching out for help, as you are? Good for you and good luck. Please let us know how it goes.

[lonegael]

Ditto above. First, most doctors do want to know if a patient of theirs is doing badly regardless of whether that illness is mental or purely physical. Especially if they have known you since you were little.
Also, as another mother I second Lynn P.'s words. If you were mine, I would want to know so I could help you the best I could. It's part of being a parent, and all of being a "loved one". At the same time, I think it is alright to specify to the therapist if there is something you would like him or her to "hang onto" for a while, not tell your folks, or even if you aren't sure how you want to handle something. Your folks may be the legal clients, but you are the patient, and most therapists I know are willing to discuss information that you are uneasy about your parents hearing.
Good luck, you have really made some big steps. HUGGS

Good luck with the appointment on Friday, rabbit hockey.

[paddym22]

I think you are very brave and I also think you are very lucky to have a parent who cares enough to look after their children.

I have a feeling you are going to do well on Friday, you show emotional maturity and intelligence in your writing.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Paddy