This is how i explained my dépression to my family as proposed by my doctor: the brain can, as a heart,a lung,any other organ, become sick. Just as a sick heart would create complications a sick brain would also cause dysfunctions. A sick brain causes mental and physical dysfunctions that i enumerated to my family.it became clear to them that my lack of energy, my crying,my pain,my fears, etc were the result of a sick brain and thus, out of my control. Maybe this little explanation will Help . 😊

I've had to explain why I have such little motivation before. I ask them where they get their motivation from - they think that they just make it by getting up and beginning whatever they need to do - but i point out that already they have needed some motivation and energy to even get started. If they think carefully, they realise that they are not responsible for that initial spark. They can't explain where it comes from and they cannot control it.
I simply don't get that spark most of the time, where they do. My problems seem like they would be solved if I could simply control that initial spark.

Perhaps you're in a similar position?

I found a site called The mighty, they have articles on depression and other mental illness issues written by people that are going through it themselves.

Or maybe your therapist can provide you with some paperwork on the issues to help your dad understand. Then if he doesn't ever understand then you must keep on the way to recovery perhaps without his understanding...not easy I know but necessary.

Have you ever tried a session together with your Dad? Or part of a group therapy with sufferers & their family. The International Bipolar Foundation might be able to help