How do you convince a parent who seems to refuse to look up what depression actually is, and who you've explained it to, that you actually have depression even though you don't cut or anything like that? And how do you convince your parents taking away the computer isn't going to make my depression any better or anything just cause I won't do homework on there even though I've explained I literally cannot do homework cause of my depression? Please answer ASAP they're taking it away tomorrow
This is a tough one because unfortunately parents tend to not believe that depression can affect their teenagers (unfortunately it does). The problem is that likely no matter what you do, you're not going to be able to convince them otherwise - especially since you've already tried to convince them.
Is there any possibility that you can talk to a school counselor? I'm presuming that you're in high school. Surprisingly enough, high school counselors are not simply there to help you with your scheduling and admissions for colleges. They do tend to have degrees in at least rudimentary psychology. I highly suggest you go talk to one and voice your concerns to them. Tell them specifically how your depression has been affecting you and the symptoms you have - if you have true depression they'll know immediately and can likely call up your parents and tell them their opinion. If your parents won't listen to you or the counselor, there's not much that can be done sadly.
If you're not in high school, but possibly college, you can do the same with professors from the psych department, even if you don't know them. Generally speaking, Professors want to help and will do so if you reach out to them. Also, the dean of your department or the counselors can point you in the direction of your school's health program and can likely start getting you in to see someone to help with your depression. I know this all probably seems like impossible hurdles but if your laptop is one thing that is keeping you going, it is imperative that you do this.
Also, I don't know your parents or your living situation but if there's any possibility that you might sit down with them and talk to them openly about the situation. Generally speaking, teenagers don't do this and if you do, a good parent will wake up and see how severely this is affecting you. Explain to them how severe it is; your energy levels, your sleeping habits, your inability to cope with school. If you can, google some resources for signs of teenagers with depression like this. Print it out and give it to them. Make it very clear that you're not being a moody teenager and you're not trying to skirt the duties of school.
Also, cutting or self-harm usually isn't a sign of depression persay; it's more along the lines of trying to control life in an out of control situation whereas depression makes you pretty apathetic to life in general to even care much to do anything at all.
The point is, you really need to talk to someone seriously, openly, truthfully, and maturely if you want to try and rectify this situation. People are going to want to help you and you're going to have to be open to the suggestions - merely coping with the depression is not going to help your situation and you have to be ready to take your mental illness into your own hands. You can't go into this unwilling to change.
