How to talk to people about your depression.

[bybitptom]

How do you talk to People About your depression?
My girlfriend is depressed and is ashamed to talk about it because she says its her weakness, and I'm trying to convince her to tell her parents.
She cuts every few days, and i've been researching what she might have. Any ideas on how to get people to talk to their parents?

Thanks

[FullyAlive]

At the end of the day if she doesn't want to talk about it she won't no matter what you do. But you can try explaining to her how much you worry, how it isn't something to be ashamed of everyone goes through a stage in their life where they need a little extra support.

However you say you've been researching what she might have, that's probably not the best thing to do. You'll end up diagnosing her with something which she doesn't have. Then scaring yourself and her about it.

You could however try looking up things about self harm, and depression on the internet with her. Show her how it will affect hers andyour life. Convince her that whilst it may be a difficult thing to do telling someone is the first step to things changing, to feeling better.

You say she cuts every few days, I'm not sure if this means she's addicted or not, but it'd probably be best if you don't try to force her to stop, it might end up causing a nasty relapse.

And also is there anyone at school or college you can talk too?

[Love.Hate]

^ I agree with Louise on this.

If she doesn't want to talk then she simply won't. You have to wait until she feels ready to do so. Also I think your worrying yourself too much, you might diagnose her with something she doesnt have, then you will worry her more. Give her lots of love, make sure she knows that you are always there If she needs to talk. Is there anybody else she is willing to talk to? Parents are always the hardest.

[bybitptom]

Thanks guys, good advice, there's the school councillor, I could try talking to them. She doesn't seem to trust anyone but me and our best friend, not enough to tell them anyway.

[JunkBondTrader]

I'm going to echo everybody else here. It's a difficult thing to open up about, and indeed, a lot of people do see themselves as being weak. The fact of the matter is, she's not going to open up to anyone like her parents or a counsellor until she's absolutely ready to. Unfortunately, the way it often happens is, the worse someone gets, the less likely they are to reach out for help.

Right now, it seems like she needs you by her side. Don't pressure her, don't attempt to diagnose her, just be there and listen to her. Make it clear that it doesn't make her weak and eventually, maybe you can convince her to get some form of help.