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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Depression > Depressed over family problems
Posted on: 06/12/2003
Question
My parents have been arguing a lot lately for the past couple of months, and for that duration of time I'm always crying and I'm mad I feel this anger towards them because neither of them stops and wonders what this is doing to me, I cry a lot, suicide comes to mind too, what should I do?, am I suffering from depression? who should I talk to?
Answer
I apologize for replying so late to your email question, we normally respond quite promptly, and in your case it sounds as though you are in a great deal of pain with the conflict of your parents. It is not at all unusual to feel distraught, even hopeless at times when the adults one has loved and depended upon have heated conflict and do not seem to know or attend to others' needs. Your suicidal feelings and frequent crying are signs of your needing support immediately; you may have depression, or acute stress that has reached a level needing therapeutic intervention. While your parents may have problems of their own, they will need to know how their fighting is affecting you, and that you want help. Counseling from a mental health professional can help you clarify your feelings and support you, while also helping you develop ways to better cope. It might also encourage your parents to enter counseling for their marital problems. Be sure to share with a close friend you feel you can trust; reach out to an adult you feel might understand, perhaps a relative is available, so you are not feeling isolated or alone. And find a psychotherapist you feel you can talk with and understands what you are going through--good luck!