Diagnosis

[Gasulina]

Hi, I am 22yo mom living far away from all family and friends with a small new family that I am building.

I have just been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, my biggest concern right now is if I should tell my spouse and family about it, or should I just deal myself?

In the last few weeks as I had suicide thoughts and a lot of fights with everybody before I realized something was wrong and I need help, a family member told me I should stop using my life as a thread to people around me, I am not trying to use that as a weapon but I feel the need to share my feelings with someone, I feel guilty for that now and don'd wanna make the same mistake, so I guess my question is, tell or not tell, and how to tell if so?

Thank you!

[Hidden]

I think you should tell them. It is too much to try to hide. Trying to hide something like that is probably making your anxiety and depression worse cause that’s a heck of a burden to carry all by yourself. If you have been having suicidal thoughts you should tell them that too. This is all my opinion only but my family is a big help to me. Now when I start feeling extra bad I tell them because it helps them understand and support me more.

[Gasulina in reply to Hidden]

I'll try, thank you for sharing your experience with me

[maslater]

You should not be embarrassed or ashamed about your condition. It is a medical problem just like a broken bone. You need all the support you can get, you should not try to get better on your own. What are your concerns about telling your family?

[Gasulina in reply to maslater]

I dont think they are gonna take me seriously, and I cant afford any treatment right now, all I can do is search online, but at same time I need to find a job, and I cant sleep, I dont have appetite, I dont want to put my family in the struggle I am in right now, but I dont know what to do...

[maslater in reply to Gasulina]

I needed medication to get better, if it's the same for you I recommend searching for free behavioral health services in your area. You could also get medicaid to help. If not, a typical psych visit is $100 and he/she can probably prescribe a generic medication.

[Gasulina in reply to maslater]

that was so helpful, thank you so much! I am going to work on that right now

[Hidden]

I would definitely tell my spouse. The way you tell the story is with the truth. I would tell my spouse how I got to the diagnosis, how I’m feeling presently about the diagnosis and what I plan on doing about it. Don’t set your expectations too high for understanding and plot a course for helping yourself! Allow your spouse the opportunity to express his/her feelings on the matter. Wishing you the best 🌷🙂🌷

[Gasulina in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much, one of my biggest flaws is always expect too much, I’ll definitely try and keep them low, that will help!

[pam4him]

I'm so glad you sought help. Now you can start to work through this. Holding this secret can add to the anxiety and depression. Start with the family member you are closest to in your new small family. It is usually better to be honest. Try to share your diagnosis and treatment plan. Let them know you could use their support. Maybe come up with a safe word for when you are feeling overwhelmed and discuss how they can help you through the tougher times. We are all wired different, some need alone time, others need to be held, etc. Prayers for peace, wisdom and support as you move forward.

[Gasulina in reply to pam4him]

Wow, that’s so much help, thank you for your support, I have look up for every advice I got here and I’m making good use of all of them, I’m seeking treatment and better times!

[Hidden]

Hi Gasulina

Wow! I'm so proud of you as well as the wonderful and helpful suggestions from the group. I am new here and it's so great to chat with others who have experience or know someone who is facing these challenges.

I hope that things have gotten better.

Take care of yourself and I know you will defeat this.

[Gasulina]

5months later still scared and alone