How to talk to my parents about my mental health?

 You are not alone if you are worried about your mental or emotional well-being. Millions of adolescents and young people struggle with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), half of all mental health issues begin before the age of 14. Sadly, a great deal of these situations go unnoticed and untreated.

Recognizing a problem is the first step toward feeling better. Getting assistance is the second. However daunting it may feel, asking for counselling is a really brave move. You could be unsure about how to approach your parents about treatment if you're prepared to take the next step and do so. If your parents are not supportive, you could also be wondering how to be ready, what to anticipate, and how to manage the situation. All of these worries and queries are legitimate.

It's never simple to ask for support or to reach out for it. Additionally, many teenagers and young adults may feel more uneasy about bringing up the matter with their parents who may not be supportive.

It's crucial that you prepare for the talk before sitting down with your parents. Start preparing for the conversation in advance if you believe that your parents will be completely unprepared to talk about mental health.

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Perhaps there isn't any discussion about mental health in your family, or you don't know what your parents think about it. Test the waters by distributing broad informational materials, news items, or opinions on mental health-related issues and themes in advance, such as this mindfulness advice for parents or this Q&A on all the information parents need to know about raising healthy children. You have greater control when you enter a situation with a strategy. Based on when you believe your parent’s level of stress will be the lowest, determine the best time to speak with them.

Be honest about your thoughts and feelings. Talking about our feelings may be quite difficult, particularly when we are experiencing mental, physical, or emotional distress. You don't have to provide every detail, respond to every query, or provide the ideal justification. You are allowed to open up as much as you choose. If it scares you to discuss mental health with your parents, think about sending them a letter or email instead. It's completely OK if having a discussion would be difficult for you for whatever reason.

Be prepared for the possibility that your parents will continue to oppose your decision to attend treatment or not support it. There are free mental health options accessible for you whether you want to seek counselling right away or not. Know that there is support available no matter what happens with your parents. It's entirely natural and good to seek counselling, yet it takes tremendous guts to initiate those first steps and have uncomfortable talks. You can do this!