[sadplant]

[title edit: dad thinks*]

I truly hope this post doesn't come across as offensive. I'll try my best to word it as properly as I can.

I finally had a proper conversation with my parents about how I've been feeling.

And my father just laughed and told me that I'm "not ill" and that I've "just made it all up" inside my head. I don't even know how to feel about this. The past few years of my life were ruined because of this and.. now he's suggesting that I've thought myself into thinking that I'm depressed.. I feel like there's a lump in my throat. I can't even cry. I self-harmed and couldn't feel a thing.

Now I'm wondering if he's right or if he's just being ignorant. It took me so long to convince myself that I deserved treatment... and now I don't even know what to say.
I don't know what I'm asking. I'm sorry.

[herethennow]

I guess that's your dad's way of dealing with things. Either that or he just doesn't know enough about depression. My parents thought that way too.. that it's all my fault and there's something wrong and so it's not depression. Until my doctor had to educate them (I failed at it) and so they were HALF-convinced.

If you think you need treatment, that's the first step towards recovery. Have you tried again? Or maybe confide in your mom, if your dad is kinda hard to get through?

go for it! No harm visiting the doc's...

[depressedalaskan]

Hello sadplant, You did a huge thing by talking to your parents. Whether they get it or not. Depression is no laughing matter and should be checked out by a doctor. Depression can be a physical or a mental ailment. So a visit to your doctor would be a good idea. Your first visit with the doctor will consist of many questions and a blood test. Be honest with your doctor so that he can really help you. Your doctor could also help your parents understand depression a little bit more than they do now. Good luck and keep us up to date.