<p>I am attending an Ivy League school, and have had a miserable time so far. I can't seem to focus on classes, I am not making friends with anyone, and I just feel sad all the time. I am fairly certain I have depression, and I have had an undiagnosed eating disorder for a few years. I want to get help for my depression, but I do NOT want my parents or the university to find out. Unfortunately I don't want to risk the stigma of telling the university of my depression,etc; I have school insurance, but again don't want anything showing up on there for my parents to see.</p>
<p>My basic questions:
1) Does the college have to tell your parents if you are depressed
2) Will I be unable to afford depression meds w/o medication if I am of lower but not destitute income?
3) How to get treatment for depression medication wise without parents finding out and with as low cost as possible</p>
<p>Most universities have a confidentiality clause—and if you’re over 18, you’re an adult, and they can’t release medical records. I don’t know more without knowing which school you’re at, but look up your school’s insurance policies and their counseling center. Medication can be expensive, although in some places there are low-cost clinics that will help.</p>
<p>If you find you can’t get the help of a therapist or psychiatrist, and you’re absolutely sure that you can’t talk to your parents about it, see if you can attend a mindfulness group at your college (or relaxation, or a more religious group if you’re religious). Exercise can help with depression (unless it feeds into your eating disorder). Finally, if there’s anyone (a high school friend? other relative?) you trust and can talk to, do that.</p>
<p>I am not a doctor of any sort. Consult with a real one if you can.</p>
<p>I hope you get well soon—I struggle with depression as well, and the only solution I’ve found is through human connection, even though that can be hard to find.</p>
<p>Student health is there for students who have any kind of health problem, and there will be some kind of counseling for students. They will keep it confidential. It is not uncommon for students to have adjustment concerns, and eating disorders are common in your age group. There are skilled people there to help you.
Please ask for it, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Seeking help will not affect your academic standing. Go as soon as possible. They will also know how to obtain medication if you need it…</p>
<p>Take the help. Didn’t you ever hear of Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel? She had depression and exacerbated the situation with her outlandish behavior and drug and alcohol use and Harvard stuck by her through and through. You are one of them now, wherever you are.</p>
<p>The university is prohibited by law from telling your parents anything about your academic or medical records, unless you specifically sign a waiver. Your medical situation is confidential between your and the people treating you.</p>
<p>Go tomorrow to the student health center and ask for an appointment with a counselor. Hopefully you can get seen immediately. You can get reassured about the confidentiality first if you like. Good luck.</p>
<p>A) You should really fix the eating disorder. Right now I am trying to loose about 5lb of fat. I feel tired and weak all the time. Point is your eating habits will affect your mood. So def get your diet under control.</p>
<p>OP please consult student health right away for help with depression and the eating disorder. While a healthy diet is important for everyone, and helps with mood, it isn’t the entire issue. More likely the two are interrelated, and the eating habits stem from the emotional issues. Student health counselors can address the eating disorder and many colleges have nutritionists available to help students with a nutrition plan. </p>
<p>Right now, students are preparing for exams and getting ready for winter break. Please go to student health as soon as possible, so that the treatment isn’t delayed over the school break.</p>
<p>1) Does the college have to tell your parents if you are depressed</p>
<p>No, unless you’re a threat to yourself or others. Trust me. The last thing you want to do is to ignore things. I tried to just deal with bipolar disorder for two years. That ended with me being involuntarily commited, and of course, MIT telling.my.parents.</p>
<p>2) Will I be unable to afford depression meds w/o medication if I am of lower but not destitute income?</p>
<p>Generics are a thing. I pay next to nothing for my medications, given that one is a generic and the other a cation.</p>
<p>3) How to get treatment for depression medication wise without parents finding out and with as low cost as possible.</p>
<p>Talk to your school’s mental health department and go for there.</p>