How to talk to my mom about possible depression/anxiety?

I've never been to a doctor to confirm it, but I believe I may have depression and/or anxiety. My mom has talked to me about antidepressants but has never actually taken me to get any, and I'm very scared to bring up the conversation with her. She's very religious and believes depression can be cured by praying and "not thinking about it".

Whatever it is that's wrong with me, it's making it more than excruciating to find a keep a job as I get stressed out and anxious incredibly easily. Ever since I was very young I've always had the most gut wrenching feeling every morning before school. I had no idea what was wrong with me. All I knew is that I didn't want to go back to class and be around all of those people. I didn't go to house parties or even birthday parties because my stomach turns even at the thought of being around groups of people I don't know.

There would be days where I just couldn't bring myself to get out of bed on school days. I would stay huddled in my room under my covers disappointed in myself until my mom would finally confront me about skipping school that day. My mom and step-dad either don't understand or just full out don't believe in anxiety/depression/whatever is happening to me. They would just pull the "stop being so lazy" card.

I'm 19 now. I'm not sure what I want to go to college for yet so I'm taking a year or two off school to figure things out. My mom is wanting me to start paying rent and, like I mentioned before, it's very hard for me to not only find but keep a job. During the last job I had, I showed up to one of my shifts in tears because it was the absolute last place I wanted to be. Later that week, I quit because I couldn't handle it. I honestly have no idea what I can do for money at this point. The only "dream job" I have is streaming, but not only is that fairly unlikely to happen, I doubt it's going to last forever.

I got very stressed out and left home around two weeks ago. I've been staying at my boyfriend's house rent-free (thankfully he's very supportive of the situation), but I know I can't stay here forever. At some point in time, I need to face my mom and step-dad.

I guess what I'm asking is... should I bring up the subject of possible anxiety and depression to my mom? How can I do that if she doesn't understand/believe in depression or anxiety?

I guess some job advice would also be appreciated.


tl;dr I'm a depressed piece of trash and don't know how to talk to my mom about it pls help

 

When trying to talk with your mother, try bringing it up in a way in which your mother cannot respond to with "try praying and not thinking about it". Maybe say something like: "I have been feeling really bad lately, and for a longer time before, and I think it is time for me to get real help for this. I am most likely going to see a psychologist this week to talk to about the mental problems I am having and see what the judgement of a professional in this area is."

If you formulate it like that (you having a plan) it is harder for your mother to suggest other things and even if she does just say something like: "I would still like a professional his opinion on this. I want to be with you 10 years from now, happy and together. These bad moods prevent such things from happening."


I can really recommend you to see a psychologist and get good medication for your problem. Good medication really helps a lot and can really change your life for the better. Really talking to someone about your problems helps a lot too.

There is a lot of stuff in your story which look like symptoms of depression or an anxiety disorder, which medications can help a great deal with. Trust me its best to just go to a professional. You might even just go without telling your parents and after one or two visits tell them about it if you cant talk with them about it beforehand. Priority #1 is to get help and make yourself feel better.

Aside from that, can you talk with your boyfriend about it? If you have even 1 person to share the burden it is already great. Dont be afraid to ask help from people that love you, they would rather help you get happy then watch you suffer trust me!

 

Hey, buddy. I understand that talking about depression with your parents can be tough. Do you have health insurance by any chance? Most mental disorders are covered by health insurances.

There are two main ways depression/anxiety can manifest.

1. You had something happen to you in your life that triggered your depression.
2. Your depression is a manifestation of a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in your brain.

If your depression is caused by number one, then you generally shouldn't need medication and your depression will heal on its own. If your depression is caused by number two, you might need some medication to fix that neurotransmitter imbalance your brain has caused.

I've only experienced depression for around four months during a school year so I definitely understand where you're coming from. I just want you to know that there are ways to fix it and it WILL get better. When I had depression I thought I'd never get fixed up, however, after four months of time passing, things started looking up and I snapped out of it.

Goodluck, man. It'll get better.

 

Taking a year or two off college is a mistake. One year turns to two, and two turns to three, then the next thing you know you're 25 and still haven't attended. Most office jobs (which you seem suited for) have a requisite of an associates, and good ones require bachelors. If you're 19, then you should be able to go to the doctors yourself, in which the doctor can diagnose you. If you do have depression then you will be prescribed for medicine, which you can show your parents. I personally wouldn't recommend taking medicine, as there are other methods which don't involve side effects. I suggest also inquiring about this as you're talking to the doctor.