How do I talk to my Mom about my depression?

Question

I am pretty sure that I am depressed, not completely, but pretty sure. I have been for almost 2 months now, and I still don't know how to talk to my Mom about this. (I'm 13) We aren't very close, so it's hard for me to talk to her about anything personal. How do I tell her that I think I'm depressed?

Answer 1

you need to just tell her how you feel and get her to take you to a therapist because they determine that kind of stuff, not doctors.  

Answer 2

You put it into words pretty well in your question.  Just say, "Mom, I was wondering if I could make a doctor's appointment.  I'm pretty sure that I'm depressed; it's been going on for 2 months, and I'd like to get this taken care of."  

It's never easy for 13 year olds to talk to their parents about personal things.  But if you do get treatment for depression, it will probably include talking to your mom anyway, so the best time to start is now.

She may ask questions.  She may get worried.  But if you reassure her that you're trying to get it under control, she will appreciate that fact and will help you through it.

You've made a good choice to talk to her.  Be strong and follow through.  You will be fine.  

Answer 3

sit her down and tell her what happened or talk 2 a councelor and have him or her help u talk 2 your mom...how r u depressed u r only 13?

Answer 4

Just do it. Trust me, it won't be bad, she's your Mom, that's what they're there for. Thinking about how to go about it might just be worse than following through. It'll only help.

Answer 5

I suffered from depression when I was your age. And it was 'actual' depression (since it's a word that is thrown around so easily these days) that was hereditary from my father who I have never lived with.

I spent a long time very down, and I didn't feel like I could talk to my mum either because I, too, was not close to her in the slightest.

What I ended up doing was going and talking to my school form tutor before I even talked to my mother, who then took me to the school counsellor. With her behind me and a support network already in place we told my mother TOGETHER and from thereon I was given to a medical professional who was properly trained to help me get better. I'm not sure when kids go back to school in America, but is it possible that there is someone else you can talk to such as an Aunt, an older brother or sister, even a friend, who can help you let your mum what's going on so that you can get the help you need? It's a lot easier when you're not on your own.

And good for you. Too many people falsely claim that they suffer from depression and then refuse go to counselling because they know subconsciously that they don't really need it, or people who do suffer from it that shy away because of the stigma. I hope everything works out for you.

Answer 6

just explain how your feeling tell her how you've been feeling depressed lately and u think u need some help, i'm sure she'll understand

Answer 7

I know people that suffer from depression - It can be serious. If you really feel that you cant speak with your parents then talk with your closest friend(s)

Answer 8

Has school started yet? Maybe you could speak to the school counselor and ask her/him to hold a meeting with your mom so you can both talk. If not say something like, "For a long time now I have been feeling sad and the feeling hasn't gone away." She should get the hint.

Answer 9

I would say to go outside and ask her to go with you.  For some reason, sitting outside with my mom made me feel more secure when I told her things that were hard to talk about.

Just start telling her about how certain things are making you sad and how all those things feel like they are piling up and you don't really know what to do.  Ask her if your heath insurance will cover the cost of seeing a specialist.  Tell her that you think that once you learn how to talk about problems from the specialist, then maybe you'll be able to talk to her more readily.

You can also write a letter and give it to her.  Type it out and e-mail it to her.  Just give her a heads  up so she can take time to read it.  My best friend used to write tons of letters to her mom.  It was a great way to talk to her indirectly which made her feel more open when talking about problems and s*x, etc...

Answer 10

Just be like

"Mom I dont feel good, I feel sad lately because of (INSERT PROBLEM) and I can't seem to get over it