People are very misinformed about depression. They think being down is depression. Until you or someone you know is truly stricken, you don’t get it. A lot of parents think their kids are being moody. And let’s face it, teenagers are moody and can be hard to talk to. I am not making excuses for adults, but this reality means that the person who is depressed has to be incredibly honest and work at making their dumb/misinformed/naive parents understand. When you are depressed, that is the last thing you feel capable of doing (or desire to do). But as a parent who is working to bridge this gap, minimize the stigma of mental illness, and prevent suicide, I beg anyone who reads this to take that extra step and TELL your parents (or a trusted other adult, preferably someone in the mental health world) how bad things are. Send them this link and tell them that you have some of these symptoms: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms. And this link to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is also very helpful: http://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs. It completely sucks that people are clueless. I think it gives you the impression that they don’t care. I loved my son with all of my heart. He was truly an exceptional human being. I won the kid lottery with him, and I would do anything for him. I thought I was saying and doing all of the right things, but I simply did not “get it.” Please help the people who love you “get it.” If they don’t understand, tell them I am happy to talk to them and share our story. I’m no weirdo, I promise. Just a heartbroken mom who wants to make a difference and help people in need. You can write to me at my username at gmail.com.
6 comments
I hate it when others think you intended to be depressed.
Like my dumb fucking mother.
It’s not your fault, you didn’t get it on.purpose. Don’t be sorry.
Don’t be sorry or others mistakes…
People are very misinformed about depression. They think being down is depression. Until you or someone you know is truly stricken, you don’t get it. A lot of parents think their kids are being moody. And let’s face it, teenagers are moody and can be hard to talk to. I am not making excuses for adults, but this reality means that the person who is depressed has to be incredibly honest and work at making their dumb/misinformed/naive parents understand. When you are depressed, that is the last thing you feel capable of doing (or desire to do). But as a parent who is working to bridge this gap, minimize the stigma of mental illness, and prevent suicide, I beg anyone who reads this to take that extra step and TELL your parents (or a trusted other adult, preferably someone in the mental health world) how bad things are. Send them this link and tell them that you have some of these symptoms: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms. And this link to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is also very helpful: http://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs. It completely sucks that people are clueless. I think it gives you the impression that they don’t care. I loved my son with all of my heart. He was truly an exceptional human being. I won the kid lottery with him, and I would do anything for him. I thought I was saying and doing all of the right things, but I simply did not “get it.” Please help the people who love you “get it.” If they don’t understand, tell them I am happy to talk to them and share our story. I’m no weirdo, I promise. Just a heartbroken mom who wants to make a difference and help people in need. You can write to me at my username at gmail.com.
Its not your fault, I like it more that you do and can admit it
yep, thanks mom. I just did it to annoy you