[lonely and scared]

i hide everything from everyone and its getting to the point where i am tired of it all.
the other day my doctor diagnosed me with depression, he has said to me that he thinks its best that my mum knows about this because of certain thoughts. i still havent told her, she knows there is something wrong as she has noticed changes but i cant come out with it and tell her
im just wondering how to tell a parent that you've reached this stage and are unsafe?

[blueoctober]

Hi lonely and scared; It is hard to tell someone you care about regarding those thoughts, but it's necessary to tell someone you trust. Suffering in silence is just going to cause you more distress. If doing it face to face is too difficult for you would you consider writing a letter to your mom?

If you are feeling unsafe please go to the ER.

[Yoda]

What would you like for your mom to know about you? How can she help you?

[justfloating]

Broaching this subject with anyone, including family, is very difficult. I didn't tell my father that I was depressed for almost six months after my diagnosis, and I only told him then because of the impact the depression was having on my schooling and his health insurance covers my medical bills. I believe the exact words I used were "I've been diagnosed with depression and I want you to know that I've had thoughts that make me feel unsafe, but I am getting help for it. I'd like to have you on board as part of my support network." It doesn't have to be any longer or more complicated an explanation than that if you don't want it to be. You don't have to go into great detail about the particular thoughts you've been having if you don't want to, although you might find it a relief to open up. I agree with blueoctober, writing a letter might be an easier way of telling your mother what's going on. That way you can say exactly what you mean. Even if you don't give it to her, writing down your thoughts before you discuss them with her might help you figure out what to say and how you want to say it.

What helped for me in telling my dad about my depression was that my mother already knew, and was sitting there beside me while I told him. It really helped to have someone there for moral support. Is there a friend or other family member who knows, or who you would be comfortable telling so you can have them there when you talk to your mom? If not, what about taking her with you to see your doctor so he can help you explain what's going on?

The other thing I want to add is that if your mother has noticed changes in you recently, it's possible that her mind has already opened to the possibility that you could be depressed. She may not want to say anything to you about it, or she may be waiting for you to come to her in her own time, but if she's around you all the time and paying attention, mothers have a way of figuring this stuff out, even if they can't put a name on it. You might find it'll be a relief for her as well as you when you finally do tell her.