It's problem page time again on DREAMCATCHER, and reader Lizzy has a worry for SUMMER TANBERRY to unravel... will you agree with her advice?
Lizzy says:
I have a very serious problem. Over the Easter holidays my mum was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and started on medication and counselling. She hasn't been well since Christmas or maybe longer. She is still very low but I think she is getting a little bit better, I don't really know. The thing is, I feel like I can't tell anyone in case they judge my mum or feel sorry for me, and I can't ask friends over any more because Mum is acting very weird a lot of the time. My dad is in denial and my brother is away at uni so it feels like I am the only one who notices. I just don't want my friends to know, is that awful of me?
Summer says:
This is a very hard situation for you. If you feel like keeping your mum's illness quiet that's fine... depression can still be misunderstood. It's not a case of feeling sad for a few days, and then snapping out of it. In some ways it is similar to an eating disorder - people think you just have to eat more and everything will be fine, but it's not that simple. Counselling can really help, but a recovery takes time and patience. Why not take the pressure off and plan to see your friends away from the house for a while? If anyone questions why, just say that your parents are a bit stressed just now... your friends probably won't think twice about this. In time, you may decide to confide in a close friend, or let a couple of trusted mates come to the house, but equally you may choose not to. It's not awful to want to protect your mum, it's natural... and it's OK for you to have some support, too. Why not talk to a guidance teacher or school counsellor in confidence and get some back up while things are difficult at home? Good luck!
Cathy says:
I agree with Summer - Lizzy should trust her instincts on this and do what feels right to her. Do YOU agree with Summer's advice? Would you add anything more? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
Lizzy says:
I have a very serious problem. Over the Easter holidays my mum was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and started on medication and counselling. She hasn't been well since Christmas or maybe longer. She is still very low but I think she is getting a little bit better, I don't really know. The thing is, I feel like I can't tell anyone in case they judge my mum or feel sorry for me, and I can't ask friends over any more because Mum is acting very weird a lot of the time. My dad is in denial and my brother is away at uni so it feels like I am the only one who notices. I just don't want my friends to know, is that awful of me?
This is a very hard situation for you. If you feel like keeping your mum's illness quiet that's fine... depression can still be misunderstood. It's not a case of feeling sad for a few days, and then snapping out of it. In some ways it is similar to an eating disorder - people think you just have to eat more and everything will be fine, but it's not that simple. Counselling can really help, but a recovery takes time and patience. Why not take the pressure off and plan to see your friends away from the house for a while? If anyone questions why, just say that your parents are a bit stressed just now... your friends probably won't think twice about this. In time, you may decide to confide in a close friend, or let a couple of trusted mates come to the house, but equally you may choose not to. It's not awful to want to protect your mum, it's natural... and it's OK for you to have some support, too. Why not talk to a guidance teacher or school counsellor in confidence and get some back up while things are difficult at home? Good luck!
Cathy says:
I agree with Summer - Lizzy should trust her instincts on this and do what feels right to her. Do YOU agree with Summer's advice? Would you add anything more? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
i agree with Summer- Lizzy should try to confide in someone and ask them not to tell anybody. Lizzy is a very nice name, by the way!
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