How Do I Tell My Parents I Need Mental Health Help?
Mental health is something that matters whether you’re seven, seventeen and seventy, and any of those ages can fall victim to a mental illness. Depression, for example, is quite prevalent and undertreated in the elderly.
But if you’re underage, it may be more difficult than just going to your doctor to start the process of getting help for your mental health. It likely means explaining your mental health concerns to your parents; which, quite reasonably, is scary to a young person. (It’s scary to an old person too, but I digress.)
So how do you tell your parents you think you need mental health help?
What Makes You Think You Need Help?
It’s absolutely possible to be underage and need mental health help and it’s absolutely possible that you, as an underage person, might be the one to realize it before your parents. After all, only you know how you are feeling inside.
But it’s important to sit down for a moment and think, logically about why you think you need help. No doubt, you have your reasons, but it’s important to think critically about what they are so that you can communicate them to your parents (and then, later, to a healthcare professional).
Write Down Your Reasons
Now that you’ve got your thoughts straight, write down what you want to say to your parents. I don’t say this because I think you need another piece of homework, I say this because it can be very intimidating and anxiety-causing to talk to your parents and you might forget what you want to say. This happens to everyone. During that all-important conversation the points you want to make just fly out of your head. And take a look at it from your parent’s perspective – if you can’t tell them what’s wrong, how can they help you?
Get Ready to Talk
Now that you’re clear on your part of the conversation, make a plan on when and how to talk to your parents. Hopefully you can find a time when there’s no pressure to be somewhere or do something. Maybe talk to one parent alone if you feel more comfortable with that.
And make sure you have support people to back you up if things don’t go well. Hopefully things will go well and you’ll get what you need from your parents, but if they don’t, friends you can call can make all the difference in the world. Your school counselor might be another resource you can use for support during this time.
Talk to Your Parents
Then it’s time to have the talk. Try to be calm and act rationally, if you can. You might not be able to, and that’s OK too, just do your best.
If you’re really concerned that things will blow up when you talk to your parents, consider writing them a letter and giving it to them with a few hours to digest it before you talk.
Get Help
The goal of talking to your parents is to get help so that is the next step. Keep in mind, your parents might not know what to do – that’s OK, adults aren’t perfect and sometimes we’re as confused as anyone else.
So maybe you can suggest what kind of help you need. Do you need an eating disorder specialist? Do you need inpatient treatment for an addiction? Do you want to talk to a psychologist? Do you think you have a mental illness and should see a doctor? Do you need emergency help because you’re afraid you might hurt yourself?
Any of those things are OK. All kinds of help are out there and whatever you need is what you should ask for. If in doubt, see your family doctor and get a referral from there.
Parents Aren’t Perfect
I probably don’t need to tell you this but parents aren’t perfect and they might not reach out with the love and support you deserve. But remember, you do deserve those things and your parents might just need a bit of time with this new information before they can give them to you.
And please remember that help is always available, no matter what. These helplines can get you started.
You can find Natasha Tracy on Facebook or GooglePlus or @Natasha_Tracy on Twitter.
APA Reference
Tracy, N.
(2012, April 5). How Do I Tell My Parents I Need Mental Health Help?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 27 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/breakingbipolar/2012/04/how-do-i-tell-my-parents-i-need-mental-health-help
Author: Natasha Tracy
Hi Ash,
I'm so sorry you're experiencing this right now. It sounds very hard.
What you need to do is get help. See a doctor as see what he/she says. See a therapist. If you feel like you really need the hospital, then go there. It's important to do what is right for you and protect yourself.
You may also want to call a helpline and see what resources they can offer you: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
Remember, you don't have to be suicidal to call.
- Natasha Tracy
hey I'm 14 and i think something really bad is happening to me . Over the last few years I've been to things like CAMHS , therapy, and a few other places such as cbt training and such, but it never helped me. Back then I was self-harming , and had what my parents called 'low mood'. I was basically forced to go, and some of the time I refused to go to my sessions and quit shortly after starting. Now, I'm probably about a year out of CAMHS, and I've just been getting progressively worse, and no one knows. I've found new ways to be self destructive and I can't help but do them. Drug abuse, smoking, drinking, self harming, not eating for a few days at a time. I've started to see things, like hallucinations, such as dark figures in the corner of my vision, and just in general things that aren't really there. i find myself needing to blink a couple of times when I see things that are out of place to make sure they're real. I've also starting hearing weird noises, like footsteps and scratching. I hear people walking right outside my room sometimes when I know for a fact no ones home. Sometimes when everything is silent if I listen closely I can hear someone breathing or humming. The noises I can block out with music but the things I see are tormenting me, I can never stop looking around rooms, checking behind me, and while I'm not seeing things all the time, it is on a daily basis and it puts me in a constant state of fear and like paranoia. I also get seriously depressed at times. My life as a whole isn't very positive, I feel quite empty a lot of the time but, I find myself crying uncontrollably, shaking, I have suicidal thoughts frequently and attempted suicide through overdose a few months ago which my parents accused me of just trying to make myself sick so I can stay off school. I haven't really felt happy in a long time. I can't remember the last time I was actually happy. It's like ok seeing the world in black and white, everything is depressing, everything is sad or remorseful or regretful or painful. Or empty. I feel empty a hell of a lot of the time. That's my state of normal. But when I get sad, it's pretty much unbareable. Couple that with the cutting, starving myself, hallucinations, fear, hopeless and substance abuse and you have one hell of a mess which is my entire life.
I want to talk to my parents but both my parents have mental issues themselves, my mum is being unsuccessfully treated for depression and my dad has some anger issues and a kind of 'what's the point' attitude about life. They think I'm fine now. They haven't got the slightest clue. I don't want to stress them out anymore. They have a hell of a lot to deal with and I've never been the perfect daughter. social services have my name down, in a book somewhere. My mum is training to be a teacher, invested money into it. If I tell anyone eg. School, the doctors social services will have to get involved and my mum almost lost her job last time I had to be in camhs.
I'm not sure what I expect from it, I know I need help but therapy and cbt has never worked. Idk if there's medication or something that could help me but it comes at too dear a cost to everyone around me. I don't want anyone to know that I'm suffering, because then they'll feel bad, and my parents will suffer more for it too.
at this point I have no clue what im supposed to do.
I realise now this is really long and I totally understand if you don't read or respond, it was worth I try because I'm desperate at this point.
Also, I'd just like to add that after reading through some of them comments and your replies I think you're a really wonderful person, giving up your time to help people and I'd like to thankyou so much, because to a lot of people, your help could mean everything to them :) x
Hi Zoe,
I understand what you're saying that your parents are under stress already and you don't want to worry them. But here's the thing, you're the child and they're the parent. You can't take care of them, they need to take care of you. They would likely say the same thing. They would want to know you were hurting. They wouldn't want you to be alone and in pain.
You need to talk to them. You need to get help. You may need medication, you may not. If you do get therapy, please try to use it. Do it as best you can and don't quit. Remember, therapy can help you but only if you try your best at it.
Please reach out. Life can get better but you need help to do it.
- Natasha Tracy
Hi, Im a 13 year old girl and i have a stage 10 borderline personality disorder. my family doesn't take it as a big deal, they think im just over reacting all teh time. the worry for me and say i should get help, and i agree but i dont want them to worry so i say its fine, when im on the edge of suicide, because cutting doesn't help me anymore. and then sometimes my family is on the entire different side of me and just insist i grow up and that i make a big deal out of nothing. i want to go to a mental insistue aswell, but i dont know how to even bring up that conversation topic. please help me.
Hi Nicky,
I know how hard it is to approach the subject of mental illness with your family. The good news is that your family does worry about you so that means they care. And that means they are likely to support your desire for help. I know it's hard to admit that you need help, but you have to in order to feel better.
If you feel like it's too much to talk about going to a psychiatric facility, how about talking about going to a therapist? Someone who specializes in borderline personality disorder in youth could be so helpful for you. Once you do this, the therapist will be on your side if you need to ask for more help.
You can do this.
- Natasha Tracy
I am 14 years old and I suffer from anxiety. And think I might be suffering from BPD. I'm not sure how to talk to my parents because I'm afraid that they won't understand. The last time I tried to talk to my dad caused a huge fight. My mother would always take my dad's side and it really hurts me. My friends told me to go see a professional and even tried to get me to talk with our guidance counselor to see if she can help. I am afraid that our counselor would think I am over-reacting. Growing up I was a very silent child. I wouldn't talk to my relatives during family occassions and just sit in the corner. I dont know what to do right now but I really want to get my parents' support.
Hi Charry,
I appreciate that you want your parents on your side -- who wouldn't want that? -- but you may need to look elsewhere right now and those other sources may be able to help you with your parents. I do recommend seeing a professional in any way you can. Don't worry about what they'll think, it's their job to help. You may also want to call a helpline for more information and advice: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
- Natasha Tracy
I'm a 15 year old student, and i think something is wrong with me, whenever i'm mad i speak hurtful words then regret it afterwards, and feel bad about it, then i'll cry and blame myself for being stupid, then my crying gets worst to the point that i cant breathe anymore. I want to be alone, then i dont to be alone, i want someone to understand me, as much as i want to understand myself, i dont know how to tell my mom about this because im afraid she wont understand me. I sometimes feel crazy, like i'll go eat something that I'm allergic with then regret it afterwards, i push people away, i hate people, i feel like they trigger buttons in me that i do not know, i just get mad for no reason, then cry for no reason, feel sad for no reason
I just want to know what is this?
I have lost alot of friends, and even teacher in my school hates me already
Hi Rin,
I can't diagnose you and no one can from afar. If you want help, I recommend a counselor, like a school counselor, and talking to your parents. You can also talk to your doctor about your concerns and see what he/she says.
I know those options are tough, but it's what you have to do.
- Natasha Tracy
Hello , I'm fifteen and I've been struggling with depression for a while. I want to see a psychiatrist but I don't know how to ask my Mom to take me to one. I'm fairly afraid she'll just assume I'm being angsty teen or something of that caliber. How do I go about asking her in a way that she'll understand that I'm not joking?
Hi, i'm 14 years old and I think I have OCD. I don't know how to tell my mom because my rituals are in my head and I don't know how to explain it. It gives me extreme anxiety and I can't sleep or do anything. It gives be trouble breathing. I don't know what to do and it feels like im going crazy and about to die. I just want the bad thought to go away.
Hi Isa,
I can understand the concerns you have over telling your parents, but you have to do that if you want help. The bad thoughts can only go away once you get that help. I recommend you have someone help you talk to you parents like a trusted friend or, better yet, a trusted adult. Also, you may wish to call a helpline as they may offer additional support: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
- Natasha Tracy
Hi
I'm 13 years old and I think I know I have depression and anxiety but I don't know how to bring it up to my mom. I feel useless and I cut and have suicidal thoughts all of the time. I want to go to a therapist but I don't know how to say it to my mom. She saw my scars once and she was mad at me but that's all I can do right now.....I can't drive I have no access to a doctor or money, I have built up walls of "fake happiness" because I can't show how I'm feeling without crashing down and havING a panic attack......please give me advise
Hi Cadence,
I'm so sorry you are feeling that way right now. It's really hard when you're young and in that situation.
I recommend you call a helpline as soon as you can. They may be able to help you and aid you in talking to your parents: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
- Natasha Tracy
Hey i am 12
I pretty sure i have anxiety but my parents think i am realy happy as the anxiety has slowly developed over a few months.At home i am very happy but its at nght and when inam left alone in my bedroom when everything comes
What do i do?
My parents will be disappointed if i tell them i have anxiety and im scared to tell them
Hi Thusela,
I can understand being scared to talk to your parents about anxiety. That's not an easy thing to do. What you may want to do is to enlist the help of a friend -- if you have an adult your trust, so much the better. The person can help you when you talk to your parents. Also, you may wish to call a helpline for further help: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
Good luck. You can do this.
- Natasha Tracy
I am 14 and i think i have bipolar II, and i went to counciling for what we thought was anxiety and depression but it didnt help so my mom gave up and stopped taking me. My dad is almost always at work so he cant do anything either. It is only getting harder to try and deal with it. It terifies me to even think of asking my mom to take me back into counciling. Only one of my closest friends know and all she can do is provide moral support because she doesnt know what to do.
I was treated for anxiety/depression as a teenager too, and none of that helped. Sometimes I wonder if a lot of doctors don't want to diagnose kids and teens as being bipolar. I had the symptoms forever but they kept throwing antidepressant after antidepressant at me and nothing worked. Bipolar can and does cause depression AND anxiety. It's definitely worth further investigation.
Me too, exept when they would try and give me meds. my mom refused them and stopped taking me to see the councilor. I have just kinda learned to just put a brave face on and pretend to be happy and ok, but sometimes it is all consuming. The depression really gets me at night when i am alone in my room, left only to my thoughts, and all my control goes away and i just break. I will just sit there drowning in the thoughts of the sea that is my messed up mind. Thank you for making me feel less alone, and i hope you are doing well Ash.
I'm about to be 15 and I've been having very suicidal thoughts for a couple of years now, my families very religious and I'm gay, and I lost my best friend. I thought u was finally getting better but then my mom told me I'm fat and disgusting and it all crashed back down. They won't support me, they won't believe me, and the only thing I can do to get my rage out is break things and hurt myself. I have no clue what to do and I know I need mental help and I won't be able to get it here. I think I might have to run away but I have no money and no where to go because I don't have any family in state and I only have one friend so they'd immediately know where to go to look for me. I'm trapped and I know I'm gonna do something dumb really really soon.
Hi Abby,
I'm so sorry your parents aren't supportive. That's not fair to you.
Please check out the Trevor Project -- they help LGBTQ youth navigate what can be a tricky time: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
They have a helpline, you can text them and they offer resources. Reach out to them.
- Natasha Tracy
Hi I'm a 14 years old female, and I need help. I've been struggling with suicide thoughts for about 4 months now, and they're getting worse. I'm scared of myself. I'm scared that I'm actually going to listen to what these thoughts are telling me, it has gotten so bad sometimes I have to blast music in my headphones just to think about it, or I have to hit my head really hard. I really think I need to go to a mental hospital, but idk how to bring it up, or even talk to my parents. My family isn't close, and it's summer so I can't go to my guidance counselor..
Hi Kylie,
I'm so sorry you're experiencing these thoughts. I know how difficult it is as I have had those thoughts too. I can understand not knowing how to approach your parents, but you have to. You could also talk to a doctor, if that's a possibility for you.
Also, you can call a helpline. We list many, many helplines here: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
They may be able to offer you some more help and be supportive when you talk to your parents.
You can do this.
- Natasha Tracy
I know that I have anxiety problems and issues with extreme paranoia but my parents would never take me seriously if I mentioned any of it to them. I told one of my friends and they really think I need help but I don't see how I could tell my parents. Even if I did manage to tell them they probably wouldn't do anything about it because we have other stresses and money problems within our family. What do I do?
Hi
I'm 12 years old and I believe I have type 2 bipolar disorder
I originally thought I had anxiety and depression but now I have looked at it more closely I have realised that I may have bipolar disorder
I want to tell my mum so I can see someone about it but she isn't accepting of most things and is very self centered. (love her though)
I just want help on how to approach her to ask her if I can see someone
Thanks!
Hi Jemma,
You're in a tough situation to be sure. What you can do, though, is go to your school counselor and see what he or she says. He or she may be able to help you when you talk to your parents. You can also go to a doctor, if possible. There are also helplines that may be able to help you out: https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
I hope that helps.
- Natasha Tracy
Hi my name is Kyleigh and I'm 13. I have had suicidal thoughts since I was 9. My mom had those when she was younger. I also self harm but I do it because I have a voice that tells me to. I also do it to keep from hurting others. My mom also did that. How do I tell her?
Hi Lyleigh,
The article really talks about how to do it. If you need more help, talk to your school counselor or call a helpline. https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
It's really important that you reach out about this as nothing can change until you get the help you need.
- Natasha Tracy
hello, my name is rae, and im 14.
recently ive been noticing that i might have anxiety.
i researched, and for some reason it all kind of relates to what im feeling. im honestly terrified to tell my parents, and i have been trying to drop little hints. but im really unsure of what to do. ive spoken to my school about it (school counseler) in secret, and asked them for help, but they cant do nothing until i tell my parents. im really scared they wont believe me, and just ignore it.
i really hope you can help.
Help me please! I am too scared to tell my parents, but what if I text them while I am @ school? They can't come down on me then, but still, I do want help managing myself. I am a direct match to Bipolar, and I do have suicidal thoughts, but how will I tell a doctor? I have to make a move before I go to the doctor for an ear infection tomorrow...
Hi Caitlyn,
I'm sorry I couldn't reply sooner. What I can tell you is that if you're scared to reach out to your parents, then try a school counselor or a helpline. These people can help support you when you do talk to your parents.
https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-refer…
- Natasha Tracy
I think I might have social anxiety, I've been reading about it and I have a lot of the symptoms. I'm not sure how to bring this up to my parents. I'm not really worried about bringing it up to my mom, she'll get her masters in psychology in a few months, but I'm terrified to bring it up with my dad and step-mom but I don't know why. I can't think of any reason I have to be scared.
Hi,
I'm almost 16, and I've been acting different then normal. I've always been a pretty outgoing person, and I talk all the time. In health class we learned about bipolar disorder, and I realized it matched what I've been feeling. I took quizzes online today, and it said I was at the very top for severe bipolar. Sometimes I'm so hyper I get out of control, and other times I can barely talk. Today in English class, my teacher asked me several times if I was okay, just because I wasn't talking much. Then at dance practice, I was talking nonstop. I've also found it very hard to sleep at night, concentrate on school, and feel motivated to do things. I don't know if I actually have bipolar, or if I'm just blowing things out of proportion.
I feel like I need to tell my parents, but they don't tend to take me seriously ever. And what if it really isn't nothing? I'm also on that time of the month, so it could honestly just be mood swings. I could also go talk to a counselor, but I really don't want to make a big deal out of it if it's really nothing.
How can I try to deal with this?
i'm feeling the exact same way... i told my best friend that i thought i was bipolar in 8th grade and she was worried so she told my mom that she should prob talk to me and when i told my mom she immidiently brushed me off without even considering what i might have been feeling to think that i was bipolar. i'm afraid to tell her again and sometimes i feel like she's right and that i'm blowing it out of proportion and i'm just a moody teenager but it's been getting really bad. my lows are really low and longer now and my highs and excessive and then afterwards i get sad again and feel like all my friends hate me because i'm annoying when i'm on my high and i don't know what to do bc i know that what i feel is NOT normal even if its not bipolar. i've done a lot of quizzes and i'm not a compete match (i'm on the moderate-severe area) but i feel like i really need to get help. ive had thought about suicide but i've never attempted and i scare myself when i think that kind of stuff but they've been getting more and more recent and i just want to be normal and happy. nobody's really noticed much but i'm good at hiding it; when people ask i say i'm just tired but i want people to see that i'm hurting and i want them to see and to push me to get help bc i can't do it myself but idk how to tell people or drop hints. i don't know what to do
I tried telling my parents about what was going on with me but they completely blew it off. What should I do?
Hi,
I'm a 16 year old girl and I've been noticing wierd things about myself for the past 4/5 weeks. (They've always been there but they've become more common and are affecting me a lot more) These include trouble sleeping, headaches, mood swings, loss of appetite and reacting in over-the-top ways to little things. My friend noticed too so I decided to do all of these online quizzes and they've given me a high alert for bipolar. Once I told my friend, she told her mum who thinks that I probably have it too.
The only issue is that I'm petrified of telling my parents as they don't really accept what I say, when I've told them about my headaches they say it's because of caffeine or dehydration but I know it's not. They have been worried about me when I've been depressed asking what's wrong but I've always said it's nothing because I'm too scared to tell them. I also went very happy all of a sudden to the point where I started humming and almost dancing whilst doing some ironing, this scared my siblings but my parents are unaware of it.
I feel that it's getting out of control but I don't know how to stop it or control myself when I go through these wierd moods.
How can I tell my parents?
Please help
Hi Ibanana,
Thank you for reaching out. It's very difficult to be a young person and have to tell your parents something as difficult as that. You do _need_ to tell them, though, if you want help.
I recommend you start seeing a school counselor as they may be able to support you in telling your parents. You can also call a hotline for more support and direction when doing this. See our hotlines and resources here: http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referr…
By the way, you may also be able to see a doctor by yourself in confidence. You should go see a doctor and see if that's possible. It depends on your state, I believe, as to when a doctor is able to see someone in confidence.
I know it's tough but you can do it.
- Natasha Tract
I am a 13 year old transgender male and for the longest time I've felt really strange emotions, like insanity. My friend told me I could possibly have multiple personality disorder because she was saying I was going to torture her and cause pain to myself but I referred to myself in third person and said my name was slaughter. I don't remember much after it happens but it happens a lot and I'm scared to hurt people I care about or myself, but I am also scared to tell my parents that I think I have this disorder because when I came out as transgender they weren't understanding and they still aren't. The main thing I wanted to tell them is that this has been going on for half a year and I think I need to be under care of a hospital but I also think they won't take me seriously. We have a history of the disorder in our family, my mom's sister had it and I'm scared it'll take over me if I don't get help.
So I'm a 12 year old girl and I think I have anxiety. And maybe depression, too. I've taken probably 50 online tests for both anxiety and depression and every single result I get is severe anxiety and mild depression. I first realized that I might have anxiety when we were doing a mental health unit in health class, and my health teacher found out I have these thoughts but she's not doing anything about it. I have tried so many times to tell my parents but I just can't and I don't know what to do. I worry almost all the time. If my dad is late coming home, I just assume that he's been in a car crash and that he's dead. I have panic attacks where I'm doing fine for a while, but then I get so extremely scared that I'm going to die and I don't know why it's happening to me. My heart will start beating super fast and my entire body will start shaking and I feel like I can't breathe. I also have very low self esteem, I am an introvert, and i have pretty much zero self confidence. I feel like If I tell my parents they either wont believe me or they'll just get angry/annoyed with me and I don't know what to do.
I think I have bipolar disorder. But I'm so worried to tell my parents as they will think I'm lying and trying to get attention. I've been taking those online tests and they all point to the same thing that I've high possibility have bipolar. I'm thinking about talking to my school counselor but they will tell my parents.
PLEASE HELP!!
BTW I'm a 14 year old girl
Hi Less and Isabel,
I can understand your concerns. You must tell an adult, though, to get help and likely, that adult will have to be one of your parents.
I do recommend talking to your school counselor because they can often help by talking to your parents with you. However, if you feel like you can't do that, please call a helpline as soon as possible: http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referr…
These helplines will be able to help direct your further and help you in future conversations.
Please reach out. You can feel better but you must reach out for help.
- Natasha Tracy
Hello,
I am 12 years old and I am very sure I have Anxiety, Paranoia, ADD, OCD, Anorexia, Bipolar, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Major Depression.
Ever since June 2014, I have researched every single one of these disorders and I am 100% I have them.
I cut and take pills, especially some ADD ones for my grandma, and they work amazing.
Of course, they're prescription for my grandma and no one knows I take them.
I remember my brother (my moms son, not my dads) once said "You will smoke weed one day, and when you do, I better be the first person you do it with, or I'll be pissed." Too bad he moved out and my Mom doesn't talk to him anymore, because if she did, I know I would be smoking weed already.
My mother did know I cut on my arm about a year ago, but I said it was my nails(when I used a razor) but she brought me to the doctors and a mental clinic. (It was too busy so we left.). She thought I stopped, but I didn't, I just did it on my thighs so she couldn't see, and I was much more careful.
I have tried to kill myself 4 times, the last time I tried I remember praying to God to forgive me and when I woke up I cried forever because I wasn't dead.
I know if I was in a mental clinic, they might be able to help me, even just a little. And even just a little could save me a lot.
But I don't want to ask my mom, and my dad (my parents are divorced, I go to their house every two days) would freak out, as my other sister (Not my moms daughter but my dads daughter) doesn't talk to him much anymore and he wants me to be his perfect little daughter. But i'm not, and he has anger issues.
And school makes it a 100 times worse.
I want my mom to figure it out, and send me to a mental clinic. I'm not one of those people who don't want help. I will never be like that. I just don't want to live my life like this, because if I do, it will be a incredibly short one. Please, help me.
Hi, I am almost 15 years old and I think something isn't normal with me. I constantly see things that aren't there and I can get defensive or panicked for no good reason. I told my mom that I see things and I can't sleep because bugs are crawling all over me, but she just laughs it off. Often she says she has the same problems but she's just fine. I can't talk to my dad because he gets angry a lot. Any suggestions on how I can handle my situation? Thanks!
Hi.
I'm twelve.I have simtoms of psyhosis,anxiety and some more.My mom doesn't get me.She thinks it get just get better over night and I think she does not get how serious mental health is.
She has sat me down and talked to me.But,she makes me feel bad.She says I'm hurting her with my behavoiur.And that makes me feel even worst.I have dellusions,and she said if I stopped she would be happy and buy me stuff.
I think I need proffessional help.If I started explaining my simptoms and everything this page would be too long.It is also really hard for me to concetrate on school for me.
I need advice on how to tell my mom I need help.She thinks this is just an faze and its becouse puberty and hormons.I thought to write her an letter.What is your advice?
Hi,
I'm 13 and i think i suffer from one of these: depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
My parents are the type of parents that laugh at everything. I've hurt my self (by accident) a couple of times and they have done nothing. I think if i'd broken my arm parents wouldn't take me to the hospital. I have European parents and they think everything is a joke. It's also pretty clear i have OCD. I have to do thing an even amount of times ( for example: i have to take four sips of water four times to be satisfied). I told my mom i think i have OCD and my mom laughd at me. I suffer from a lot of mood swings i can get very aggressive at times and yell consistently at my parents and this has been happening for the past couple of years, last night i got terrible mad for no reason and ended up punching through a wall. I've also attempted to kill myself once and consistently having thoughts about suicide. Any tips i can get for telling my parents about this as soon as possible, i want them to take this seriously.
Hi Josipa,
Thank you for reaching out. I know how hard that is. The tips I have are listed in the above article. In short, I recommend contacting your school counselor as they may be able to help you talk to your parents and call a helpline. They, too, may be able to help with your parents but anytime you feel you may hurt yourself you need to call them because they are always there for you 24/7.
Here is a link to many resources and hotlines: http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referr…
- Natasha Tracy
Uh, hello there
So, I'm 15 and I'm starting to think I may have a anxitey disorder, which is really weird to me since I can be a pretty laid back and relaxed person at times. For the past few months though I have been feeling more uncomfortable around people, and staring to have shortness of breath and nausea. Really want to get help, but don't know how to go about it, I mean I don't want to waste people's time thinking I have a disorder when I probably don't, but I also want to get help, because I'm scared that it might get worst. Anyways, was hoping you may have some advice on what to do.
I'm thirteen and am showing signs of schizophrenia, but I'm also a hypochondriac and problems I've shared with my parents in the past always die out, change nothing or was me be over exaggerative. But symptoms have been worrying and plaguing me for a while, growing worse even, and I'm scared of my parents dismissing me as being a hypochondriac again.
Hi Sarah,
I'm so sorry you're in this situation. It can be hard for parents to believe their child may be ill. I suggest you go to your school counselor for support and/or call a helpline. There are many available for youth: http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referr…
Remember, help is available, you just need a bit of help to get it.
- Natasha Tracy