Telling my parents about depression and self harm

[toystoystoys]

Hi guys,

I started self harming when I was 15, Im now 20. I was diagnosed with depression in August and have been on anti-depressants and having counselling since then. Having councelling has made me realise I need to tell my parents about this, the trouble is I find it extremely difficult to talk about this. Im thinking of giving them a letter this weekend when I go home but Im not sure if I should just say about the depression at first or say about the s/h aswell? Im not really sure what to write? Facts? Should I leave it for them when I go home, or when I go out for the night? Please help guys!! xxx

[LetMeSlipAway]

hey there...

im sure your parents would be glad you told them and they would be able to give you the support and advice you need! Most parent are good like that!

if telling them by letter helps ease of your worry then this is a good idea! usually writing it all down gets it out of your head and onto a peice of paper which can also be benifical... you should write down whatever you feel is best whether or not you want to tell them about the self harm although my guess is, is that it would be also good for you to be open and honest about the situation and your parents may understand that little bit more with some information as to why you self harm and what you get from it?

hope this is some sort of help!xo

[toystoystoys]

Thankyou! I think if I tell them about the self harm itll all be out there but i find it sooo embarassing!xxx

[LetMeSlipAway]

Don't be embarressed sweetie... sometimes i find it embaressing in front of health care professionals or any of the few friends that know about my SHing! im sure your parents will understand, it might take them a little while to adjust just like any parent would but this is only because their consered about you but don't be embarressed its simply your own way of coping

Elaina xo

[toystoystoys]

Thanks, I feel so silly being embarassed about it but I really am. Speaking to my councillor yesterday I just felt to embarassed when she talked about me being depressed. Im scared to tell them because I dont want things to be weird! Even thinkin about it my hearts beating really fast n im out of breath n my stomach is in knots!

[LetMeSlipAway]

just try to relax huni, im sure it will be fine! if it makes things better write down on your letter your fears and worries about hings being different after you've told them

[toystoystoys]

thats a good idea ill definately do that! thanks for helping me your great! xxx

[LetMeSlipAway]

aww thanx... hug*

[Sleepless123]

Hey i think your really brave and wish you well with this.Just an extra thought perhaps you could find some info ie leaflets about depression, self harm to also leave/give to them in case they want to find out more or to help them understand?If you are in the UK Mind have some good information leaflets etc or perhaps you could print something off the net.i hope your not feeling too bad and good luck with this.Take care.

[toystoystoys]

Hey thanks for your help :) I left them a note, but didnt say about the self harm I couldnt do it,butI feel like a huge weight has been lifted. My mum n dad are coming to stay with me on friday and I imagine itll be discussed so still feeling veeeery nervous about this but at least I know their general feelings on it :)

[trina1723]

well done!
try not to worry about it, they will just be concerned for you
i hope it goes alright
xxx

[Tayy]

so i have had an ryl account for a while an i was looking on the internet tonight about how to tell my parent.
an stumbled across this ><
so i was wondering did you ever end up doing it an if you did how . im really nervous to tell my mom but i feel i need to :S
just feels like after 4 an a bit years of this i need to let it out cause just having my 2 bestfriends know is not working =[ just need help i guess