IF YOU THINK YOUR PARENT might be clinically depressed, begin by talking to a trusted adult—a relative, a teacher, or a school counselor—about what’s been going on.
If you’re worried that your parent is suicidal, call one of these twenty-four-hour, totally confidential telephone hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-800-784-2433
Covenant House Nineline
1-800-999-9999
Boys Town Hotline
1-800-448-3000
Remember, depression and other types of mental illness are treatable. This is not about blame. This is not about being a “bad parent.” The sooner you ask for help, the sooner your mom or dad can get treatment.