From the Podcast:
Your parents want you to be happy and healthy so they may have a hard time understanding your depression. Having an honest conversation with them is the best place to start.
Talking Points:
- Before you begin talking, write down what you want to say to your parents, this will make it easier to not lose your train of thought. Make sure to speak at the right time so they can listen well. Writing a letter, email, or message is another way to get the conversation started.
- Even if you don’t get all the details right, the most important thing for your parents to hear is that you need and want their help. This is especially important if you’ve had suicidal thoughts or have cut yourself or engaged in other forms of self-harm.
- If your parents don’t take it as seriously as you do, reiterate the most important point: that you feel sad or anxious all the time, that this isn’t normal – even for those in adolescence – and you want to seek professional help.
- Don’t quit until you make progress. Even if it’s tough, think about how much better life will be once you start getting the help you need.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever struggled with depression or anxiety? Explain.
- Why can it sometimes be difficult to share your feelings with your parents? Explain.
- If you struggle with depression or anxiety, do you feel like your parents would be open to listening? Why or why not?
- Why do you think writing out your action plan before you talk to your parents is helpful?
- What’s the worst that can happen to you if you share your struggles with your parents? What’s the best thing that could happen?
- If your parents aren’t ready to listen, who are some other adults you know who can help?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
