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View Full Version : Should I tell my friend's parents that she's depressed?


Sunstreak
January 17th, 2011, 12:26 PM
I'm not really sure where I should post this, but I need some advice.

My friend is depressed (and I'm not sure how serious the depression is since she always refuses to talk about herself and always tries to help me with my depression) and cuts--her wrists. She always misses the veins, but I' scared that one day she'll hit a vein by accident and will be too stubborn to tell her parents to get her to a hospital for help. She isn't even trying to stop, no matter how much I've tried to convince her. She says she wants to die when she's 18 because there's nothing for her to live for after she turns 18. She's 13 now. I know that her views on that will probably change by the time she actually turns 18, but the point is that she feels that way now.

The problem here is that her parents don't know that she's depressed or cutting. I think she might benefit from a therapist of some kind, but that would require her parents knowing about her depression. I think they have a right to know, even if they don't decide to send her to a therapist. I'm not sure whether I should tell my friend's parents or not, because i know for sure that my friend isn't going to herself. I just worry that a therapist might not help my friend or that her parents will do the wrong thing or that my friend will be mad at me for telling her parents. =/ What do you think...?

1_21Guns
January 17th, 2011, 12:55 PM
It's probably a bad idea to jump in and tell her parents, sometimes that's one of the worst things you can do, especially with her not talking about anything, you don't know what her home life may really be like and so on. Self harm and depression are very touchy topics, and although it may seem like telling her parents is the right thing to do, it may not be. Only she can make the decision of if she wants help or not, because if she doesnt want it, she won't take it. Just try and be there for her, support her as much as she lets you and she might slowly let you in. :hug3:

Charleigh
January 18th, 2011, 02:07 PM
I think that, you should sit down with her and explain to her that she should tell her parents and get the right help needed as self harming isnt the correct kind of help for her. I think that if she carries on doing it, you should tell her parents very quietly.
Also, her parents will respect you and appreciate you for telling them, however your friend might not be so pleased.
Good luck hun
:hug: