How do I know?

[Mirage]

I feel depressed a lot. I have taken a load of online tests (some even aimed at teens). One of them told me I have severe depression, another said to seek help immediately. I think I'm trying to trick myself into believing that the websites are wrong...but a lot of the questions accurately describe me. I'm nervous...how do I begin to tell my parents about this?

[Atonement]

First of all, never try to diagnose yourself via online tests, websites, etc. It can be very dangerous. The more important thing here is the fact that you're concerned you're very depressed which is proof enough that you need to say something.

As for telling your parents, I don't know what to tell you. I don't know your relationship with each parent, nor siblings, nor anything. But, here are some options I can think of and I'll leave it up to you to mix, match, and apply these to your situation:

1. Pick the person you trust the most. Is it a sibling, friend, uncle, aunt, grandparent, or your parent? First, it may be easier to tell them and then have them help you tell your parents. This way, you won't feel very alone in the situation and you have someone on your side to metaphorically hold your hand through it.

2. Sit down and try to think about what exactly you want them to know. Do you want them to know why you're depressed? Do you just want them to know you're depressed? Do you want them to help you take action (psychiatry, therapy, etc.)? Go in with a goal so that you can tell them exactly what you want so they don't feel stressed about "How do I help him?"

3. Think about the best medium through which to tell them. Are you comfortable talking face to face? Can you sit down with them or is your family more of a family that can talk while doing dishes or something? If you don't think you can talk face to face, there are always the options of writing a letter, e-mail, video, or what-not. It's up to you.

I think the best advice I can give you is that I'm happy you know you need help. Even if you go to a psychologist or therapist etc. and they tell you that you are fine, you at least have that temporary assurance. I hope what I've said helps you kind of think through how to go about this and all goes well.

[xarvon1412]

Alright, so umm...first things first? Online tests are not an accurate way to diagnose yourself. However, if you are worried then I think that you should find somebody to properly diagnose you. First, tell your parents that lately you've been feeling down. Tell them that you think that you may have a problem, and that you want to get tested, even if it may be nothing. Tell them that you're scared and that you want to make sure that you're okay. Sorry if this isn't good advice, my parents found out by seeing my cuts, so I was sent straight to a mental hospital, then I got to a psychiatrist. Regardless, I hope that it goes well, and that you get better soon. If you ever need somebody to talk to, then wall me, I'll gladly help :)