IceLolly....I know exactly what you mean about wanting your mum to guess. When i was a teenager i kept my depression from my family for a long time. I was always (jokingly) made fun off for being ill all the time.E.g. headache, tired, stayed in bed. But i know all that was to disguise the depression.
It wasnt until my second year at university that i was sat on the floor of the lounge trying to put some pieces of coursework in a folder. And i just couldnt do it, eneded up in tears, i think it was then that my mum insisted she was taking me to the docs. She now says she knew for a long time things were not right, but couldnt put her finger on it. She really wishes i had spoken to her a lot sooner. But that is still one of my biggest issues, talking to people.
Do you think if she know she would be supportive?? If so i urge you to try and find some time just the two of you to explain how low you are feeling. I wish i had told my Mum earlier.
Zaf....I too have suffered about 15ish years now. Mine isnt linked to life experiences, more a checmical imbalance that is normal at times and not at others. Im sure i can beat it, but at times it is just sooo overwhelming. Not good.