[themonster7]

I have a very close friend who I frequently confide in during my most desperate phases of depression. Tonight was the worst I've ever felt and I said some things that scared her. She's been telling me to go to therapy from the start, the problem is even though I'm 21 I'm still under my parents insurance and I don't want them to know. After tonight she told me if I didn't tell them I needed help tonight, she was going to call them and tell them for me.

I'm considering just lying to her and telling her I told them even though I wont, because I don't want my parents to have to worry about me. They've always seen me as a strong and capable because I've been a great actor. I know I need therapy and I wish there was some other way. Is there another way?

[FeelingOpaque]

If you really want a therapist, go out and contact some. Find the one that's best for you and then start to come up with a dialogue of what you are going to tell your parents. This way they know you are serious about your problem and you desperately want help. And tell your friend this too, if she wants you to tell your parents, tell her to help you with getting yourself prepared. Also, if you would feel more comfortable with her around, ask her to be there with you when you tell them. She doesn't have the right to tell them honestly.

[Rohag]

Hello, Themonster7.

Originally Posted by themonster7

Is there another way?

Joining a support group is a possible alternative - or adjunct - to therapy and/or meds.

In the US:
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Support Groups and Chapters (DBSA)
Find your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Do you have insurance of your own? If not, in my view it's best to be open and honest
with your parents about what's happening in your feeling tone. I feel sure that they
would be very eager to help you get counseling and medications if you need them to
correct a possible chemical imbalance in the brain.

You're very much in control of your life, even though you say you've been acting.
The acting won't hold up in the long run, so please be brave and honest about all
this with those who love you most and are able to care for you at this time.

Take care and good wishes.

[themonster7]

I don't have insurance of my own yet. I'm under theirs until I'm 26. I want to see a therapist but I've been avoiding telling my parents because it's really going to be difficult and I don't want them to think less of me. I know they wont and I know I shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed, but I am. Make's everything more difficult.