[natani_girl]

Hey, all... The big scary moment has come. My school counselor wants me to get analyzed. She think's I'm depressed. Well, great, I guess it's not all in my head... but that doesn't help the nervousness. I mean, being in a prolonged mental rut is a LOT different than being diagnosed as depressed... there's so many people I'm afraid I'll disappoint, afraid they'll judge me, afraid for the people who have looked up to me and will suddenly realize I'm not the dependable, stand-like-a-rock person they think I am... I'm so afraid they'll overreact and forget the person I've tried to be until now. Also afraid they'll think I'm giving up, when all I want is a little help in the most crucial part of my life that I desperately don't want to screw up. (high school) My mom is very against meds, because my older sis was on ADHD pills for a long time growing up, but it really changed her personality until just recently she got off them. I'm afraid her feelings on that will cause her to overreact to this...

On the bright side, now is a better time than ever to ask for help. My dad is in an awesome mood b/c something that was weighing his mind (and all our minds) for months has been lifted. I have a meeting with my counselor tomorrow, and a physical Thursday. (which as of now is unrelated, but these kind of things, you want to bring up to a doctor, right?)

I guess I need a little advice on how to do this... I don't know if it will be me or my counselor telling my parents about the concerns, but either way i know I'll get talked too... I have NO idea how they'll react, but I can tell it will NOT be mild either way. Any pros who can pass me some gems of wisdom? I could really use it.

Thanks, guys.

[shezbut]

I think that I would approach your counselor for her assistance in telling your parents about the depression.

Personally, I would be afraid of mom minimizing my misery. Any independent opinions which support my side would my choice. Very best wishes to you!

[Mylifeisdepressing]

I recently told my parents about my depression and I'm going to a psychologist soon, so I'm in a similar position... I really feel for you and I understand what you're going through, you can PM me if you want to talk. Good luck

[TerryL]

Hi natani! I really commend you for seeking help despite all your reservations. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Perhaps the main thing to remember is you need help for your depression and focus on that, irregardless of others' reactions or expectations. Hopefully they will be supportive. We are all human and we all have problems and issues. If your friends were depressed and showed their vulnerabilities I'm sure you would still accept them and be there for them, so do turn some of that kindness towards yourself. I think it is healthy to air things out so they don't fester and cause us harm. I was brought up in a family where our problems were never really discussed, let alone go for therapy, but I have never regretted trying it. It's like being lost in a forest and finding a park ranger to guide us out.... and if your gut tells you one counselor is not right for you, try another one until you find the right person. and one doesn't always need meds to deal with depression, oftentimes talk therapy can do wonders, so maybe try that route first? I wish you all the best! Please keep us updated