The reasons you give for not seeking help for yourself are probably some of the same reasons your father has for not seeking help for your mother. If you don’t seek help, you will probably end up repeating the same pattern that your parents have fallen into. If you seek help, you have some hope of breaking the cycle and feeling much better. In addition, you may set a good example for your parents… showing them that there is something they can do to improve their lives.

As for your reluctance in coming across as a freak if you disclose your illness, you may be able to obtain help without disclosing your illness to others. Consider speaking with a counselor at your school. You may benefit from knowing about celebrities who have mental illness. Consider visiting No Kidding, Me Too!, Joe Pantoliano’s Web site dedicated to battling the stigma of mental illness.

Keep in mind that mental illness IS a physical illness. The brain is a part of the body, and it sometimes needs medication, too.