My family doesn't know

[c11aire]

Hi, I'm Claire, and I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and currently on medication. Luckily (or unluckily?) I have my own health insurance and my family doesn't know that I have A&D and is on meds. They don't view mental health as a "real" health issue, and I'm not sure how to talk to them about it. I have no problem talking to my friends about it, and they know my situation-- but I know my family will think I'm "weak," and recommend a healthier diet or something vaguely unhelpful like that. How do you talk to people about this if they don't take mental health seriously?

[loren1212]

Hi c11aire, I am in a similar situation. My family doesn't know much of my situation with anxiety, depression or PTSD. When I had tried to talk to them about it in middle school, they tried to convince me that I was faking it and looking for attention. When I tried again in high school, they told me I was lying. Now as an adult, I am learning that I don't have to tell them everything but I shouldn't have to hide who I am. If they want to think I'm weak or stupid or faking because of the things I have been through, that is on them. I don't have any real advice for you, unfortunately. I'm still very much figuring this out for myself and can only really say I'm trying. I wish you well on this journey in deciding how and when and how much you will share with your family and hope that they respond supportively.

[Noah96]

Hi Claire! Good on you for getting the help you need. I also have A&D. I was diagnosed about 3.5 years ago and it's been quite the journey. I would say to really evaluate the necessity of talking to them about it right now. Having your issues/experience brushed off as invalid or being seen as "weak" can be extremely painful especially when coming from a close family member. However, if you do decide to tell them, I would focus specifically on how you feel rather than labels. Like, "Sometimes I can't get out of bed even when I want to," rather than "I have symptoms of depression." Resources to educate them might help too - like websites full of other's experiences to show it isn't just you! I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I know you can get through it!

[Hidden]

Hi sorry to hear this. Do you have to tell your parents? To be honest if you think they would be unhelpful I wouldn't bother. You need support not chastisement. I never told mine coz I know how they would have reacted and I didn't need it.

Like you said you have good friends, and you have us now. x

[vannabailey86]

Hi my name is V and I need people to talk to i feel like no one else understands

[Lisamarlowe in reply to vannabailey86]

Hi V I know how u feel, I feel all alone no one care or listens and it's so depressing😩

[Hidden in reply to vannabailey86]

Saaaaaaame, if you are still in school you can see a counselor, but if not try talking to a therapist,

[Hidden]

My family is the exact same way !

[Lisamarlowe in reply to Hidden]

Same here they could care less

[Hidden in reply to Lisamarlowe]

Well, I know how you feel so if you need anything you can most definitely talk to me !

[vannabailey86]

I hate when people dismiss your problem like it's not real...because you can't see it...

[Hidden in reply to vannabailey86]

I once told a friend about my ocd because I desperately needed someone to talk to about it, they said “that’s sad”, and didn’t even talk to me about it, but I didn’t want to bring it because I thought I’d be bothering them in some way.