how do I tell my parents I need therapy?

Question

im 15 . I havent been happy for a while. I am battling self esteem problems and social anxiety. I want to change schools and I will be in mexico with a voulenteer group for two weeks. the trip will be in a week. should I tell my parents before or after the trip and how?

Answer 1

Tell your parents how you feel now. They will want to know. Especially if you are going on a vacation. Just be honest with them, and remember; they love you.

Answer 2

Do you want to go on the trip? Because if you tell your parents you may not go.

If you cannot talk directly to your parents, how about the leader of the volunteer group? Or a relative? Or a teacher when school starts again who can refer you to counseling?

Teenagers do experience some unhappiness but if it lasts more than thirty days, then you need treatment for depression. That can include counseling and/or possible medication (which really helps).

If I were you, I would sit down and talk to whichever parent you relate best and try something like:

Mom/Dad I know you love me and are always there for me Well, I don't thinks are okay with me. I feel sad all the time. I really don't feel comfortable in social situations. And I don't like myself or see myself as accomplishing things well. Could I please see a counselor or therapist to help me work through my problems.

If you attend a church you can go to the minister and there should be a mental health crisis center (hot line) in your area; just call the operator and ask to me connected or call a local hospital for the number. Many are listed under State or County in the phone book.

Good luck but I know your family will be there to help!

Answer 3

Do you really need therapy? Therapy doesn't always do you good. Sometimes it's sufficient to know you have a problem, accept it and start working on it. Also, to talk to other people (parents, best friend) about that problem and how they see it. I spent one year in the U. S. and my 12 year old host cousin seemed to be quite concerned because I didn't have a therapist as everyone else does. From time to time I also think I do need couseling but well, that's life. Nobody is perfect and you and me are not either. But is it really that bad? Ask this to yourself before you go to a therapist who my give you medication that changes your whole personality and makes you feel bad. And because it doesn't work you need some more medication. And by curing one forced behaviour he gives you another forced behaviour. That's so stupid. Solve your problems yourself. That'll feel a lot better.

Answer 4

Just be honest with them. If you feel you need help, then ask for it. You shouldn't have to battle anything - there are so many resources available!!!!

All too often, teens wait too long to let their parents know they are feeling sad or anxious, etc. (I work in child and adolescent psychiatry - trust me on this one!).

Please don't wait. Even if you are unable to get an appointment before your trip, at least your parents will be able to set something up for when you return.
I think you will feel a sense of relief once you tell them.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

you re not going to hurt yourself are you?
if yes tell them now!!!
If no, then see if the change of scenery on you trip will perk you up?
depression is a clinical issue.
Maybe start journeying{ diary} about your days and how you feel.. maybe you can see a pattern in what happens and how it makes you feel.
listen. 15 is so hard. with complexion problems. new feelings about the opposite gender. and trying to fit in with everyone else. you re going through the chemical change inside. this could make you moody or angry or sad or completely cookoo at times.
no matter what, your brain and body is trying to mature, its hard on everyone.
If you really think you need to see someone most city's have a public health department that has a mental health section.
If your parents have health coverage that's even better. be honest with mom or dad, or mom and dad let them in on how you feel. they would rather have you talk to them rather than, have to bury you.
good luck. god bless.

Answer 6

I would tell them before. I used to have horrible self esteem and social anxiety. It's common for teens your age. tell your parents you don't feel comfortable. My suggestion would be to go and talk to someone. Even if you move schools you will most likely still have these problems. You don't want them to turn out where you get depressed about it. Try to talk to a therapist about these issues.

Answer 7

For your sake and that of the group leaders, you need to tell them now and see a doctor. That's the place to start because there are physical illnesses and issues that look like mental problems. As for how, tell them that you want to get this settled before you go to Mexico. That will impress them.

Answer 8

I do it before the trip. Be honest. Let mom and dad know your dealing with adjusting to becoming more like an adult.

At 15 my mom took me to a psychiatrist she noticed anger in me. I was depresses. I was to scared to "open up" with the doctor. Luckily he told me if I ever wanted to see him again the door was always open.

3 years later I told my mom to make me an appointment and she did. I am glad I did. Once I got it off my chest he knew what I was talking about and was surprised someone as young as me was dealing with it. But we dealt with it and it's manageable. I am now 54 years old.

Answer 9

Tell them now. It will be a big stress relief and also give you sometime to yourself after telling them. Just ask them to make some time to sit down and talk. Tell them exactly how you feel and how it affects you and the things you do. It may be relief for them to if you have become withdrawn and they have no clue why. good luck and have a safe trip.

Answer 10

I would think telling them before would give them a chance to take it in, and make decisions that need to be made. Tell them just like you did us. They sure care about you more than we can. If it helps, a lot of what you're talking about is called being a teen-ager. I'm not saying that's all it is, just that it is a big factor. Teenage time is rough for everyone.

Blessed Be