im only 16....?

Question

so im only 16....and on for most of my life have been able to make the happy public appearance, but secretly i think im going a wee bit crazy. i really think i should go see a therapist but theres the obstical of telling my parents, ive never said anything before and it would be a complete sprise to place upon them......then theres the fact of not knowing what the hell to do with myself if im dyignosed with something.....i don't think i could cope with knowing theres something wrong with me and possibly having to take medication to fix it......and normally someone asking ME this question id say talk about it, to someone, anyone just to get it out...but IIIII can't i have problems telling loved ones my problems....should i just write a diary and let the 16 year old highschool girls problems be worked out or spend the time and money to talk to a theripist...??

Answer 1

You're not alone. I've been in the same kind of situation. I was scared to confide in my parents also. But I got up the courage to confide in them and instead of giving a negative reaction, they were happy that I could come to them and tell them my problems. It is important that you tell your parents you need help. There is nothing wrong with talking with a therapist. The experience can be liberating and help you a lot. Everyone feels what you're feeling at sometime in their life... and everyone would be better off talking with someone about it.

Answer 2

I started going "a wee bit crazy" in my teens to. And everyone thought it was hormones for a while and delayed getting me any help. The real indicator is are your friends having the same level of issues? Or do you seem to react in a different way than everyone else you know. Therapy is never a bad idea if you're feeling bad. It's not just for crazy people you know. There are actually entire schools of psychology who concentrate on making "normal" people happier and teaching them how to make the most of their lives. It might be a phase or it might be an illness. Either way I say go with what you would have told someone else. If you can't tell you parents just go to the school counselor or a religious figure or a teacher and just tell them you need to talk some things through and would they mind listening. Usually if you tell everything to another person they'll either tell you it's OK and everyone feels that way or look at you with shock in their eyes and start trying to help you. Either way you'll feel better. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 15/16 so you can totally have a mental illness that young. But it doesn't mean your life is over. I'm a productive healthy college student with a family now. With the right combination of meds and therapy you can overcome just about anything if you really want to. It's just about finding the tools to help yourself. Remember God helps those who help themselves!

Answer 3

Everyone has the same feelings you do from time to time, regardless of age. My advice is to talk first to a trusted teacher or adult friend. Talking to a licensed therapist is also beneficial, and there are free clinics in most large cities which employ counselors. Go see one. You might be surprised.
The fact that you think something is wrong with you is a good indication that there is nothing wrong with you. People who are truly mentally ill think they're the normal ones and the rest of us are crazy. You're 16, you're hormones are going bonkers and you're turning into an adult. It's a difficult prospect at best.
Keeping a journal is also a good idea. Reading it a year from now will probably make you laugh, because you won't be able to remember feeling this way. Good luck to you; enjoy your life.

Answer 4

Depends on what you mean by " a wee bit crazy". Could be hormones at 16, but who knows. Regardless, you should talk to someone who is a professional and have it all checked out just in case. There's no shame in seeking help for a problem, and better to take care of something sooner rather than later.

People go for regular physical checkups for thier physical health, why should mental health be any different?

Answer 5

Is there anyone you can talk to without going through your parents? Maybe a teen hotline, school counselor, pastor, family doctor etc? Try other routes first. There must be more resources available to you if you look for them. I think you know that you need to talk to someone who is outside of your family and can be objective. Don't let this go. Your parents would be much happier about you asking than if the unthinkable happened because you didn't feel like you could approach them.

Answer 6

You could start by mentioning it to your regular doctor, but I would bet your parents can handle it! Do not freak out about being "diagnosed with something". Millions of us have difficulty dealing with life at some point and there's no shame in getting help. You won't regret it. (I was 16 once, and I have a son 18 and a daughter 14. I can handle it, and your parents can too.) Good luck!

Answer 7

I used to feel like you, about therapy and what if there's a problem. But education is enlightening, knowledge IS power and by doing it (family counseling) now I understand the whats and whys about my behavior.
Now I love my counseling sessions, they're the most benificial thing I'm doing for myself. For a time the sessions were rewarding because I came to understand myself better. Now they're rewarding because the feedback from counselor assures me of my progress (we tend not so see it).
Do it, you can stop any time you want (if you want).

Answer 8

It doesn't hurt to write a diary...

However, if you feel you need to talk to a counselor/therapist, go ahead. There's nothing wrong with that!

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Answer 9

I say you should tell your parents. They love you and they would want you to feel better. And if you need meds. Then you have to take them. Do you want to continue to feel like this? If you don't you have to do what you have to do. I hope everything works out.

Answer 10

it is a really difficult phase in a life of a teenager going through this. your family is still the one who can help you. if you have a trusted friend, maybe he or she can help you with it. don't forget that there is still a real life out there.