[PinYoda]

Just as a warning, there may be some triggering information.

Last summer I had severe depression that led to a suicide attempt. It was not a good summer for me or my family. Now whenever I tell them I am struggling, they get very angry and punish me for admitting it.

I haven't told them that I have been having a very hard time for the past two months. I am afraid to tell them. I want help, but I'm afraid they won't give me it. I don't know how to go about telling them.

I don't know if, by "family", you mean your family of origin or spouse and children. If it's your family of origin, I don't know if I would tell them if they generally aren't supportive.

It all depends on what you need them to do for you and how able you feel to handle their response if it isn't what you want to hear.

I generally will only confess to having problems to my family of origin if they are "medium-intensity" problems. If they're worse, I become afraid of what they might say.

But I am a chicken.

Hugs. I sorry that you're having such a bad time.

[Rohag]

In the US you might try going through 211 (United Way/AIRS) to attempt to get confidential support. I believe most states have laws that extend some confidentiality to adolescents.

My policy regarding mental health information is based on the need to know. If someone or group does not actually need to know about my diagnoses or symptoms, I do not tell them.

Here's hoping you can locate a confidential channel of help.

[Tauren]

Are you in school? If so, you should talk to the school counselor.

[PinYoda]

Originally Posted by Tauren

Are you in school? If so, you should talk to the school counselor.

I am no longer in school.

[Tauren]

NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group800-826-3632