I'm 15 and I need professional help for depression? How can I get it without my parents knowing it?

[Anonymous]

My life was pretty much awesome but than in November I got depressed because of some things that happened.
At the very beginning I thought it was just a sad month, but it's almost over a year now and I'm even worse than how I was.
I don't want my parents to know it for personal reasons, but I don't want to feel like this for another year. I had an amazing life... I want to get back to how I was.
I need help, professional help. I've heard about the School Psychologist but what will I tell her? ''Hey there I'm depressed I need help.''? Please give me some advice.

[SakuraChii]

I've been in your situation before, im 15 as well and I think that you should tell your parents even if you don't, and you go to the school physiatrist; by law they have to call your parents and they might have a meeting with you and your parents. If your feeling really bad than you can call a hotline for Somone to talk to. also please don't take any medicine that hasn't been prescribed by a counselor or doctor. You can tell the school phycharitrist EVERYTHING. they'll only tell your parents if your sucidide or self harming.

[citroen]

Just tell it how you did in your question, professionals with talk to you and ask you questions so you will know what to say by what they ask you, its commendable that you recognise you need help, and are going to seek the help you need, you could talk to your school psychologist or your own doctor, everything you say will be kept confidential, the important thing is to be open and honest about how you feel, so you are able to the appropriate help you need

[Asker]

Ok... Well I hope so, thank you very much!

[Theguyoverthere]

You can go through the school psychologist but I don't know what the confidentiality rules are with them. But it's probably your safest bet. Outside of school you'll end up needing your parents because the insurance goes through them and they'd have to schedule the appointments and handle the copays, etc.

I think your confidentiality would be respected assuming you didn't tell them you were suicidal or anything.

[Asker]

Well, kinda nice advice, thank you

[CasaNorba]

i say try to speak to your guidance counselor at school or dont you have health insurance? because if you do you can always start one on your own but your parents are gonna find out no matter what. though i dont see why parents are gonna get pissed just because their son is taking therapy; that is madness at its fullest

[Asker]

Depression is kinda taboo here

[Asker]

Even sadness

[CasaNorba]

wtf? are you serious?

you know suppressing it just makes it worst. if i were you i would say "fuck society!" and get some help

[LastGirlScout]

To be honest I'd try and avoid a GP as they are incredibly quick to prescribe drugs and I don't think that's a very good approach to depression. At least not as a first step anyways. You won't like it but one of the best things to help you combat depression is exercise. Getting out the house, forcing yourself to socialise. Don't let yourself slip into the mind set of 'I am depressed therefore that's my life from now on'.

[wishfire10]

Just tell your parents you have a personal problem and ask them to take you to your regular doctor. Explain to your doctor that you are sad and you just want to be happy, that it has been going on for a long time and make sure they know you arnt suicidal, your regular doctor can prescribe medicine for you and as long as your not a danger to yourself or others, they most likely won't tell your family.

[chocomintstrawberry]

What I did when I was a little sick (mentally/emotionally) was search for a psychotherapy center near my house and just ring them. I met with my therapist every week until I had to move for college without my family knowing.

[SunshineMoonbeam]

If you seek help from your school counselor they are required to maintain the utmost privacy and confidentiality by law, unless of course your life is in danger. It's their job to help you and they want to help you. Keep your head up and good luck.

[wallcroft]

but buddy i must know why dont u want to tell your parents are they sick or something so u r afraid from saying that or therw will be a proplen if u say that explain to me bro i can help u dont worry iwam with u

[Asker]

Sadness and depression are taboos here. It's kinda weird

[wallcroft]

look i can tell u u should tell them dont be worry u have to tell them dont be alone with your proplems u r too young to do that

[Asker]

Parents in the US are like friends for teens. In Europe they are somewhat different, they educate.
So I don't think it would be nice to talk to them about it

[wallcroft]

whar are the taboo where do u live dude that si stupide to say they r taboo what is that

[wallcroft]

what do u mean by saying that explain more dude

[wallcroft]

hold and find away to tell then dont think they will hate u they r your parents hope u find and get better life :(

[slackercruster]

Get it at school. It is tough getting it at 15 and living at home with secrecy. Don't worry what you will say. They will dig it out of you. Are you getting sleep, eating right and getting exercise?

[Asker]

I'm having some trouble sleeping, I'm eating just fine and I was recently forced by parents to join basketball, I know it's for my own good, but i'm just not enjoying it

[Theguyoverthere]

See if they can switch you into another "sport" or something. As long as it is physical activity they'll support it.

[Asker]

Nah, not know since they spent some money to put me there...

[SomethingWicked]

Look online for your closest centre that deals with suicide and depression, phone the Samaritans, they may able to point you in the right direction.

[Asker]

Yeah I'll search for it, thanks

[fleurose]

Oh you poor little boy, I advice you to talk to one of your parents is not with both, you'll find so much help in them, you have no idea. At first I know it is a little bit hard to open up and to say what is wrong but together you'll find a way out.