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I've got a particular interest in sexual health and sexuality. I know a lot about fertility and pregnancy - and firsthand now, as I've just had twins. I'm also an accredited sexual health worker.
Gender: Female
Occupation: Counsellor, writer, mother of twins.
Age: 31
Member Since: August 9, 2004
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I Have been feeling depressed for almost a year now, and I have read nearly all the articles posted about depression, but none of them really help me. I took the first step of talking to a trusted adult, who was one of my former teachers. She tried to help me by calling my mom and referring me to different counselors. But this made my mom very angry. My mom refuses to let me see a counselor, and she is not allowing me to have contact with my teacher either. I don't understand why, but I think it's because my mom feels like I am placing blame on her for my issues. Now I feel so alone because I have no one to talk to. I want to call my teacher, but my mom would be very angry if she found out. What else is there left for me to do if counseling is not an option? I fear I will keep getting more and more depressed like I have been. Please respond to my question, I really need your help! (link)
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Does your school offer a free counselling service? Many do. If yours doesn't, perhaps they can point you in the direction of a local service that offers free and confidential emotional support to young people.
Your other option, counselling wise, is to research local/national free helplines. They exist for many subjects, and depression is a major area that people need support with. This call would be free and would not show up on your phone bill.
Finally, you could sit down and tell your mother exactly how bad you are feeling. She might be recognizing that she hasn't been a perfect parent, and you entering counselling would force her to confront her inadequacies. Reassure her that counselling is confidential, that she would not have to attend sessions (unless you both felt that was a good choice), and that you need the counselling to talk about you, not her - your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
She may just need time to adjust, but she shouldn't hold you back from getting help for yourself. You could contact your teacher again, explain the situation, and ask her to not phone your mother. She may be able to offer other solutions.
Finally, contact your local health services and ask for a list of counsellors in your area - organizations and individuals. You should be able to find a local practitioner who offers sliding scales (less money for those who can't afford it).
Best of luck.
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