Talking to mum about mental health

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My mum is an avid Mumsnetter, to say the least. we struggle to see eye to eye on a lot of things, but you seem to be her people so here I am.

I'm 19 and have just finished my first year at uni. I've been going through some pretty heavy shit. A couple of suicide attempts, one almost successful landing me in hospital for a week and a half. I've started cutting again.

My parents are aware of my wavering mental health, I od when I was 12 because I couldn't handle puberty and have been self-harming on and off ever since. I'm in therapy that they set up.

I suppose my question is would you want to know? Would you prefer the 'I'm not doing great atm..' or the actual truth of the matter? I have always been wary of speaking with them because I don't want them to worry and never have exposed the true depth of the matter. Although I have a suspicion they don't see what they don't want to see.

I'm sorry ur feeling like this but I'm 33 and dropping in to say Iv been there done that and a a few t shirts the worst thing u can do is wear the mask and play it down believe me u need to become selfish as in speak ur mind not caring of the consequences u r number one u r wats important and ur life's worth everything and everyone around u needs to no that even if they're actions caused reasons to ur actions hope ur ok op x

So sorry that you are struggling so much.

My DC are a little younger but I would 100% want to know. If I though they were struggling that much with their mental health and couldn't tell me, I'd be devastated. You should tell them, you can't and shouldn't try to protect their feelings at the expense of your own MH.

Can I ask what help you are getting too? Has anyone suggested this book to you?

If you haven't been receiving any help or support, it might be worth speaking to Mind before you speak to your DPs

As a parent of a 17 yr old who suffers with depression, I would definitely want to know the truth.
My son is not good at communicating his feelings. I wish he would, I would like to be able to help and support him through the low days but he's so good at hiding things. He self harms and had suicidal thoughts when he's low.

Talk to your parents about how you feel, I'm sure it will help you. But most important take care of yourself, don't put too much pressure on yourself.