Telling my parents that I take antidepressants

I’ve been on antidepressants since November last year. I got to a point with uni and my mental health where I was scared and the therapy on its own wasn’t doing enough for my anxiety and depression. I tried talking to my parents about it but I think they thought I was exaggerating and being autistic and not getting adequate support at uni meant it was obviously hard aside from the relapses. Some say it’s an easy choice to go on medication but it really wasn’t for me, it took months and it was a decision I took when it was the only one left and I was still scared because my parents and previous therapists haven’t supported taking antidepressants. Anyway I’ve been on them now for a long time and they help a lot. I still have to do therapy and live a healthy lifestyle obviously but it’s made it possible to leave the house or my bed. I’ve been thinking about telling my parents about them because I live with them and I trust them but I haven’t managed to and I’m scared of them reacting badly but I also would like if I told them and they supported or were fine with it because I feel bad hiding it even though legally it is my choice if I tell them. What would you do?

I had a similar experience with my parents. I don't know the reason why your parents against you taking antidepressants, on my case they just said I don't need them, my situation is not that serious.
My mom is a psychologist (she even teaches children psychology to future teachers) and she couldn't notice I had depression. Only after I told her I attempted suicide at 13 she realized how bad my mental state was (that was late teens). I only took them to stabilize the chemical balance in my brain and slowly took them of. Now I'm off of them for years and feel much better, I doubt I could be that good if I wasn't taking them.

Why are your parents against the antidepressants?

Thanks for sharing your story.

My parents are against them based on what I would call the stigma against them. I had a psychiatrist when I was 16 who was very against antidepressants and publicly debates in media that they don’t work and are prescribed because of the pharmaceutical industry wanting them to. I can’t say I know enough about the politics of it but it seems like an extreme opinion on par with if a doctor was claiming they work for everyone.

Basically when I was 16 I left school and ended up in and out of hospital because of self harm and depression that had come to a point that I couldn’t live everyday life and I was undiagnosed autistic so there was a lot that I didn’t yet know that was contributing to me feeling depressed and anxious and misunderstood.

Often when someone I know who has mental health issues is struggling my mother says maybe their meds are the reason and while sometimes they can mess with you I’ve come to the opinion that that’s more individual than rule and that med reviews and follow up are important for making sure it’s helpful.

I was scared to try antidepressants again because of the stigma, I thought I’d feel numb and gain half my body weight etc but the reality has been pretty uneventful aside from when starting them feeling very nauseous but explaining this to my parents might be important as I still get lows but I feel a difference particularly in my anxiety and catastrophising.

I’m over 18 so my therapist told me it’s my choice if I take them and who I share my health information with, having this choice felt odd because I share most things with my parents and sometimes I feel dishonest and like I’m lying to them.

Yeah, it is hard to tell your parents you are doing something they don't approve, but still it is your choice. If the meds make you feel better it is the most important thing.
I wish you the best luck with explaining them your situation. Be prepared to long and annoying conversations