Telling parents of mental health

[Student133]

So, I'm a second year student at uni, but for 2 years I've suffered from anxiety and depression, but only in the past 6 months have I started to actually deal with it.

Unfortunately, as many who are familiar with mental health issues are aware, I have ended up spinning a (very convincing) front of normality to all around me. I'd like to inform my parents, who I know will be very supportive, my mum being a paediatric nurse, but I'm struggling to find a way of doing so without totally freaking them out.

As I've heard mumsnet is rather good at this sort of thing, do any of you have any ideas of how to do this in a constructive way, given that I have projected the auror of a very well put together individual, but am struggling, especially as hunt for summer internships is ramping up. Cheers in advance.

So sorry you’re having to go through this.

I’ve been the parent in this situation. It came as a complete surprise as my DD had been skilfully hiding it for years. Did it freak me out? No, but it made me sad, and I will go on feeling the pain for as long as she is suffering. But I’m really glad she told me and it has been a privilege to be able to help and support her though it. There have undoubtedly been times for her when having that extra support has got her through.

She told me by first sending me a text to say she wanted to talk to me, then when we were both at home we made time to talk.

Over the following months she helped me to understand what she was going through by sending links to articles that resonated with her. I have learned so much from her and admire her more than I ever thought possible for the way she has dealt with this miserable illness.

Thanks for that scarlet, hope your daughter is doing well.