What should I say to my family?
One of the first questions asked is usually what should I say to my family? How will they react? Will they judge me?
Your family may not take you seriously at first. This might be because adolescents or pre-teens having mental illness is scary and people don’t want to accept that that’s an issue. It may be easier for them to think you’re just being dramatic.
To get them to understand, be specific about what you’re experiencing. Talk about how you’re feeling and ask to see someone. You can ask to go on medication or use another form of treatment if that’s what you want. Ask to go to group therapy, if that’s what you want.
“Everyone around me was pretty much saying “oh you’re just growing up, you’re just a teenager, it’s nothing, it’s nothing, it’s nothing.” But eventually it was very clear that it wasn’t just nothing.”
“I erupted at my dad and told him that I had my first experience of suicide ideation when I was 10 years old. And said I’ve never done anything about it in terms of resolving or figuring out or anything, and I laid it out for him. He sat there quietly and said “OK. Well, I’m going to make some phone calls and we’re going to figure out what to do because whatever you’re doing isn’t working.” And it wasn’t a judgment thing.”
What if they‘re not supportive?
If your family isn’t as supportive as you’d like, don’t give up! Remember that they want what’s best for you, even when they don’t know what that is. They are just trying to support you with the understanding that they have, which is not always accurate.
If your family doesn’t understand, go to a mentor, teacher, neighbor, or someone you trust:
“My family doesn’t really understand. My sister’s like “oh, you just have high emotions”–no, it’s not high emotions! When it comes to a mental disability, they need to understand we’re not crazy. We just need a little more help than others.”
“Go to the right people, especially people that are in your corner that can help you, not somebody that’s going to break you down. You should go to people that are going to help you and help you find the right resources.”