[MDepDove]

I'm new here. Just thought I'd post a message. I probably won't be on here much because I don't have a computer at home. I'm in college right now. I was looking on the internet for a website with a chat for depressed people.

I'm 21 and have been dealing with depression for 3 years now. I've never really been diagnosed with depression seeing as how I don't talk to people about it. I have 4 really good friends whom I ahve shared this with. 2 of whom have moved away.

Right now, I ahve been talking to one of my managers at work (whom I consider a friend since he is willing to listen and he cares). He has suggested that I seek professional help, but I can not ell my parents about it (that is what I say). They wont understand, or if they do the pain that it will cause will be like opening an old wound and pouring salt in it. I have cut myself many, many, many times. I have seriously considered killing myself.

How do you seek help, when you don't know how to tell people? I am very untrusting of people, and I have a hard time expressing my feelings.

MDepDove

[dexter]

If you are in college, most colleges have a counselling center that is meant expressly for helping students cope with depression, anxiety, and other issues that are common in college life. Unfortunately it seems that many students don't even know that this help is available.

So the first thing to do might be to see if your college has such a department. They can give you advice and point you on the right track towards a doctor and whatever other help you may need.

You can check with their privacy policy but please do not ultimately let fear of your parents finding out stop you from seeking treatment. Treatment is available and can really help. It is unfortunate that there is still so much misunderstanding and stigma in society that this fear is still an issue.

But so many people fear this or believe the misinformation that they won't even try to get treatment. You have already taken the first HUGE step toward recovery, and that is realizing that something is going on that you may need help with and having a desire to seek out the help you need. For many people that is the biggest hurdle to accept. Don't let fear of what your parents may think stop you from completing the path toward feeling better that you have already begun.

Check with the counselling service, your privacy may be legally protected so they may never have to know at all unless/until you feel ready at somepoint to tell them. In most cases privacy is strictly protected (hospitals aren't even allowed to confirm the names of patients if people call) but I'm not 100% sure if this extends to parents. However, being that you are not a minor, I would say chances are good that your privacy will be protected, and confirming that may relieve some of your fear and allow you to proceed with this.

If you don't have or can't find a counselling center at your college, look for a mental health department at one of your local hospitals.

If you are worried about the idea of getting started somewhere maybe your friend who you trust can accompany you to the office. He doesn't have to join you when you talk to the counsellor but having him with you on your trip to the office may help in the beginning, at least until you can establish some trust with the people who will be helping you.

Good luck.

[SeptemberMorn]

Welcome to the board, Dove!

Dexter gave you some extremely good advice. Follow it the best you can. We're all here to help you and support you on your journey.

Blessings to you!



He's making a list and checking it twice...

[dexter]

Also, if you are unable to continue on the computer, look for free support groups in your area for depression and other similar illnesses.

As you will here on this forum, at support groups you will find support from people who completely understand your fears and feelings. Most of us, if not all of us, have had the same fears and reservations and concern that there is no solution to this. Just having contact with people who understand and have been there is a valuable resource toward recovery.

[krzyk101]

WELCOME,

Hope you can get the help you need, This is a good place for feedback.
Dexter gave you some really good advice, Some of those things I wasn't
aware of.

Take care

KRZYKRIS

If you think you have totally gave up, you haven't, because you are here!

[Duchess]

Hello Elizabeth,
you've found a great place, with many great people...
although you do not have a computer and Dexter's great Info may come in handy.. we here hope you will come and join us once again.
you will find many great friends, that will help you out with great advice threw your hard times. like(((( Dexter)))) himself. I have posted for a little over a month now and I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Dissorder, Major panic dissorder, Obssesive Compolsive Dissorder. Depression within itself & child abuse.
I can't begin to tell you how soathing and welcoming everyone is here.
within the last month I have never felt better & so open about my problems. I hope you will keep posting, whenever you get a chance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ your new friend Duchess~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Though I have fallen, I will rise.
though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light
...He will bring me out into the light; I will see his
righteousness........... Micah 7:8-9

[soscared]

Hello and Welcome
Sorry to hear that you are having so many problems.
I think the advice from everyone is great nd if you can find a way to get te help you need then get it.
As far as I know you should not have any problems with anyone finding out that you are getting help.
I would think that your parents should be happy if you tell them you are getting help, it is better than seeing you do something bad to yourself from not getting help.
It can only get better not worse, so Please try and find the strength to get the help you need.
Hope you can post here again
Take Care of #1(you)