Depression Understood Forums

Hello everyone. I briefly touched on the basics of my problems in the introduction page, but I figured I'd post something here too. I've officially been depressed (as in clinically) for about six months now, though I know I've been depressed for longer. I'm currently in my freshman year of college and, given that my parents refused to take me to a therapist, I took advantage of the counseling center here as soon as I got here. After about a month or so of seeing my therapist, I was directed to the psychiatrist, who prescribed me 20 mg of Citalopram, though I'm currently on 40 mg. I can certainly say that if it wasn't for the kind people at the counseling center, I'd be far worse off than I am now... However, I've used up all of my allotted visits with my therapist and I can no longer see her regularly. Thus I'm hoping to find support here on the forums as well as return some support of my own to others.

As for my situation, I've gone through some pretty troubling family problems... I moved out of state for college near my dad's home state, so he wanted us all to move at the same time I did. This was all well and good until my parents suddenly couldn't hold a job. Then my mother got pregnant with her third child... She left my dad overnight to go back home. Mom and Dad are on the verge of divorce, but my father went back home just before the baby was born to help support them. Of course, they continue to bicker and fight and each of them has tried to rely on me in the past months... Recently, however, they've both decided to fight with me: my dad gets angry if I question him, whereas my mom has deemed me "weak" due to my depression. I can usually confide in my mother, but recently I do not want to talk with her for fear of being criticized over my emotions...

This summer, I will be going back home to help take care of the baby as I see it as an older sister's duty, but this causes financial problems for me. I will not be able to get a job while I care for her, even though I'm currently living off of school loans. I feel stuck and helpless, but I dare not confide in either of my parents... Does anyone have any advice?

Silver, *hugs*
Thank you for sharing your story, I am glad that you have found this wonderful place for support. I can see why you are frustrated about the summer break. Wish I had some answer for you, but unfortunately I do not. I do feel it is very unselfish and mature of you to return home to help out with the baby. I hope things work out well for you, keep us all posted here! Take Care

Thank you, dd-va. *hugs* I have talked with both my therapist and psychiatrist about the issues with my summer break. They've both encouraged me to look for jobs, but also worry about whether this will cause more stress than it's worth. I can't seem to decide whether taking care of a baby and holding a part time job would be more stressful than the baby and financial burdens... I want to say the former, though I have a feel as to what I'd be getting myself into. Anyway, my psychiatrist is trying to help me search for therapy resources back home. I hope she comes across something... Anything would help. Thank you again for your support and I hope all is well with you and all the other forum members.