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human
Do I talk about mental health issues with my professor?

I'm a undergrad senior in the U.S. (graduating this semester) and the past month or so, I've been depressed and have had a lot of trouble sleeping (--probably the past four months). Anyways, attendance is mandatory (we don't get points for it, just penalized if we don't show) in one of my classes; if you miss 3 classes your final grade is down to C, any more D or F. I was sick with a fever and missed two classes and the last two I've missed because some days forcing myself out of bed is just unbearable, even if I'm not sleepy. The first couple times, I was on top of it and emailed my prof prior to let him know I would miss class (his policy) because I was sick and asked for updates on any important announcements (he's changed the syllabus several times and doesn't always modify the electronic copy). The last time (today) not so much --- but I just got an email from him letting me know that if I miss anymore classes my final grade would be a D or F. 

I was planning on asking to meet with him the morning before our next class, so I can catch up on discussions I've missed, ask some questions about the readings, show that I'm interested in the topic, but I don't know how to go about explaining my absence. I'm tempted to just lie and say I've had the flu/fever, but who is sick for four weeks straight? Should I be honest and tell him the real reason why I missed the last two classes? I feel like if I were him, I wouldn't buy the real reason and think the student was just skipping/didn't care. Although, he seems like a fairly understanding person from earlier conversations we had at the beginning of the semester.

Any advice about how to go about explaining my recent absences/mental health problems to a professor would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

**UPDATE**
Thank you all for your advice! I went into student health services today and was able to get a note to give to my professor (the nurse also offered to write me a prescription for an SSRI, but that's possibly a topic for another thread, but if you have any input on that feel free to let me know). Now let's see how our convo goes next week.
gpt
If you have not already spoken to a doctor about this, you need to do so ASAP. You may need medical documentation. If it's really impacting your ability to do work, then you need to get disability accomodations so that you'll be granted more flexibility and added assistance. You can't expect any leniency otherwise. 

I'd also be wary about specifically mentioning "depression". Notify your professor that you're dealing with a chronic health issue and that you're currently in treatment. They'll probably need/want medical documentation or disability accomodations to support that, since they need to bend the rules pretty far for you if you miss more classes. 

If you feel absolute trust in the professor, you can disclose depression if you want. You'll probably still be required to supply documentation to support that, though.