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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Depression > Depressed
Posted on: 09/08/2005
Question
I'm depressed and I need help. I have all the symptoms but I'm scared to ask my mom to call a docter for me and tell her that I'm depressed. She probably will say, "no you're not" or stuff like, "your just growing up" or "it's a stage". But it's not, it's getting worse and I need help. I don't want to die, but I do need help. How should I ask her?
Answer
Tell your mom that you are having some symptoms that you are worried about and have been doing some research and believe you have depression. You may need to tell her that sometimes you feel suicidal or describe the other symptoms so she can really understand why this is so important. If she won't agree to have you see a therapist at least she may allow you to make an appointment with your family physician. He or she can also talk with your mother and probably convince her to get you help. Because you are under 18 years of age, a minor, you would need parental permission to get psychotherapy. If this plan fails, you can talk to someone at your school (such as a counselor, teacher or administrator) and explain that you know you have symptoms of depression, but are not able to get help. They can also help you talk to your mom and maybe even provide help at school. Depression is very treatable and you may be surprised at how your mother and other people react when they really understand what the problem is.