how do I tell my parents i need therapy? | Ask Sam
hi. i'd rather just stay anonymous for now, but i really need help. my parents are really strict to me, but they also dont believe children under 10 can have diagnoses for mental illnesses or disorders that include mental health problems, like DID or BPD. im trying to tell my parents I need therapy, but they just wont listen to me. they're always saying its because of my phone or that im just overreacting, and it just makes me feel unseen by my own parents. i just really need help in this situation, they wont believe me even if im showing signs of mental health issues.
Sam
Hi there,
It's brave to speak up when you're not feeling okay, everyone deserves to have their feelings taken seriously.
Many young people have spoken to Childline about feeling dismissed around their mental health. It can feel frustrating or lonely when that happens, but there are ways to get support.
Here are a few things you can do:
Think about other ways to get support Remember, you can always speak to someone at school or another adult you trust. They might be able to speak to your parents for you.
Look after yourself Our page on mental health has lots of ideas to try things that might work for you.
Talk to us You can get support from Childline any time. We’re here to help with anything you’re going through.
Keep trying Try to think about different ways you could approach your parents. You could write things down to help them see all the things you’re going through or ask them for support when things are hard.
It can help to remember that there are ways to get support or cope, even if you’re not diagnosed with a mental health condition. It can help to make sure you are getting support and advice from places you trust.
Remember, things can change in the future and Childline is always here to support you.
Take care,
Sam
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