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i don't know how to tell them. i am suicidal and i have self-harmed in the past. i see a psychologist for other health reasons, and my depression has been getting really bad as of late. last time i tried to tell them about my anxiety but they just blew me off, saying it would improve with time. i don't want to tell them that i'm suicidal from fear that i'll get locked up in a mental institution or something, and that i don't want to disapoint my parents. how do i tell them i'm depressed without freaking them out, and getting them to believe me? thanks
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kris58003 jen543
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jen543 kris58003
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kris58003 jen543
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jen543 kris58003
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Chip_Bunker jen543
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How are you doing?
Have you considered a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist?
Sometimes family members may not be equipped to to deal with a full disclosure. But - maybe in general terms? For example: "I'm feeling a bit low. I'm feeling the blues and it's becoming a bit debilitating. But I am going to get help. Just wanted to let you know in case I seem low or distant..."
Sounds like you already disclosed to family members. Maybe you can amend it by saying "I am getting help - but sometimes I do feel very low. So I just wanted to let you know in case I seem distant or blue."
Then consider seeing a psychiatrist? Some meds really help. But I strongly suggest seeing a doc. A pychiatrist - which is a medical doctor - as you may know.
Also - maybe try some kind of exercise? Brisk walking and swimming has really helped me.
Hope you are getting better.
Best,
Chip
nolongeractive Chip_Bunker
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jen543 Chip_Bunker
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jen543 nolongeractive
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stevo1975 jen543
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Chip_Bunker jen543
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For help if you are having dark thoughtas....
Chip_Bunker jen543
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Glad you are feeling better.
Depression and anxiety are rather serious illnesses. Left untreated - things can sometimes go south.
Some people self medicate their depression with drug and alcohol abuse. Some treat their depression with promiscuity. Some cope with depression and anxiety with anger and social inappropriateness.
For me - finding a decent shrink (psychiatrist) was a life-saver. I went through over 10 shrinks. Some were frightening. Others were incompetent. But I finally found one who let me try different combinations of different meds until we found something that worked.
And the meds need to be fine tuned as life goes on. Then there are new meds. Then some people get off meds and exercise A LOT!!!! Haha.
But friends and family can often be a source of even more frustration. Friends and family are often scared. And they want to discount our illness. Or they feel guilty because maybe it was a defective gene they gave us. Who knows? But I keep disclosures to family and friends at a minimum.
I actually tell very few people about my depression and anxiety. I simply go to the psychiatrist AND the psychologist. And I can share there. I also go to AA meetings. And I can really and truly share with the other alcoholics.
And online venues like this one are becoming more and more helpful.
But family and friends? Rarely can they truly help. Unless they are gifted and smart enough to allow you to have depression. But if they then decide to share your problems with other family members or friends then things can get weird.
I'm so glad you are better.
Best,
Chip
stevo1975 Chip_Bunker
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Chip_Bunker stevo1975
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Thank you.
Even in my Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings there are small factions that preach "You're not sober if you take meds!"
So - even sharing with other people in 12-step programs can be deadly. Sometimes the newbie wants to get sober, and discovers they have depression. Then the "old-timers" chastise the person for using helpful meds. So the person goes off meds and then commits suicide.
So no one should really be practicing psychiatric medicine without a license. On these websites all we can merely do is share what worked for us and ackowledge the pain that people are going through.
It's nice to have options. And it's helpful to see what has helped other people.
Meds have saved my life.
Those same people who criticize those who take meds are the ones who take meds for cholesterol and blood pressure. And they wear prescription glasses.
To me - depression is no different than high blood pressure. And there are more positive treatments - other than alcohol abuse and self-destruction.
Hemmingway - and many others - may still be alive if they had some helpful medicine.
I am soooograteful that modern chemists have manipulated molecules in order to help people with inherited chemical imbalances.
It took me many years to become grateful. When I first learned I had depression and anxiety (and ADD and drug and alcohol addiction) I was angry and upset.
Best,
Chip
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