Last fall I went through a seriously hard time. I couldn't concentrate, be as social, get work done, etc. This went on for roughly 3ish weeks before it lightened. It came back a few more times but it wasn't as bad.

I feel like even this year I am going through periods of time where i am down and the world goes darker. I can still sleep well, eat, be hygienic, but my thoughts ravage my inner world and talking to others can be tough. My outlook on myself, life, family, friends, and other things distorts. I don't have a good support system of people i can really vent to (don't trust many people/other people are having more problems than me/etc.) Besides, i always come out okay on the other side of the tunnel. I always feel like i am playing up my problems but then when I need to address them I say "oh well it wasn't that important! I'm functioning and okay!" I constantly feel like something is wrong but I can't tell what, even when I am a happier person as a whole.

But because of having normal periods of time, I haven't really sought out much help besides my school counselor. She has brought up the topic of me going to therapy many times and supports it, but I'm scared of what my parents may think.

The cost, the time, the effort, the realization that their family member may have a problem, etc. Plus there is already stress in the world and on my family at the moment. I don't know how they feel about therapists or mental illness at all anyways. I know my mom believes that many of my issues are hormonal related and just a part of developing as a person, but I feel she may be wrong. That could just be me though.

What if I go to the doctor and they say I am just stressed? What if I talk to a therapist and it doesn't work out? All of these possibilities make it hard to approach the matter seriously.

I hope some of this made sense. Thanks for reading. Advice is encouraged and appreciated! I hope you all have a lovely morning/day/night!